As part of efforts to ensure a hitch-free experience for Nigerian pilgrims, the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) is set to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Saudi authorities on January 12, 2025, for this year’s Hajj.
NAHCON Assistant Director, Information and Publications, Fatima Usara, who disclosed this yesterday, in Abuja, said a delegation led by the Chairman of the commission, Prof Abdullahi Usman, embarked on a working visit to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
The visit, which commenced on January 7, 2025, was at the behest of the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah (MoHU).
According to her, the purpose of the visit is to prepare for the signing of a MoU for the 2025 Hajj and to finalise other arrangements for the yearly pilgrimage .
Nigeria’s delegation to Saudi Arabia includes NAHCON Commissioner for Planning, Research, Statistics, Information and Library Services (PRSILS), Prof Abubakar Yagawal; Commissioner for Operations, Inspectorate and Licensing Services (OILS), AnofiuElegushi and Commissioner for Policy, Personnel Management and Finance (PPMF), Aliu Abdulrazaq.
Representatives from the States Pilgrims’ Welfare Boards/Agencies/Commissions (SPWB/A/C) and Private Tour Operators (PTOs) are also expected to join the pre-Hajj visit.
National Assembly, Presidency and aviation industry representatives, as well as select NAHCON board members, are part of the delegation.
Key activities during the visit include the bilateral meeting and MoU signing.
Usara noted that the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, is slated to sign the MoU on behalf of Nigeria while the delegation will also attend the International Hajj Expo beginning on January 13, 2025, where they will explore and evaluate service provider options for Nigerian pilgrims.
Ahead of these major events, Usara said the NAHCON Chairman and his team would engage in consular meetings, visits and meetings with heads of other countries’ Hajj missions, discussions with the supervisors of the Hajj e-track registration portal, discussions with the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) and consultations with stakeholders to finalise the Commission’s preparations for the MoU signing.
The statement added, “Following these engagements, various contracts will be signed based on the agreements, which will include the signing of contracts with united agents, car syndicates, Tafweej, Adillah in Madinah, and health supervision company among others.
“Other NAHCON staff will inspect accommodation, catering facilities and medical establishments in Makkah and Madinah to ensure they meet the required standards before formal agreement.”
Guardian
