Hajj 2023: NAHCON exhausts 95,000 allocations, seeks more collaboration
The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has urged for increased collaboration to ensure a successful Hajj exercise in 2023.
This call was made during a meeting held on June 7, 2023.
NAHCON reported that diligent efforts are underway to ensure the smooth execution of this year’s Hajj operations.
It was disclosed that the allocation of 95,000 slots for Nigerian Pilgrims has already been exhausted.
To ensure a fitting Hajj experience, NAHCON is actively seeking collaboration with the Mutawwif company and other relevant Saudi agencies, the Deputy Coordinator of NAHCON in Makkah, Alhaji Alidu Shutti, said.
He shared this information during an operational engagement with the Mutawwif company responsible for African non-Arab countries’ pilgrims in Makkah.
Alhaji Shutti emphasized the importance of enhanced partnership between both parties, particularly since Nigeria has fully utilized its 95,000 allocation. He assured the meeting participants that “NAHCON is prepared to adopt strategies that will benefit Nigerian Pilgrims.”
Alhaji Shutti also assured the attendees that the outcomes of the meeting would be carefully considered, and necessary actions would be taken, ensuring compliance without hindrances.
The Deputy Makkah Coordinator praised the cooperation and acknowledged the resources deployed by the Mutawwif company in Makkah to achieve tremendous success in this year’s Hajj operation.
During the meeting, Alhaji Abubakar Lamin, the Makkah Liaison Officer, requested special care for the Nigerian contingent at Masha’er, particularly in terms of tents and medical services.
Dr. Usman Galadima, the Chief of Operations of NAHCON’s National Medical Team, highlighted the previous year’s collaborations, emphasizing the need for improvement. He requested an increase in the deployment of ambulances, as pledged, to enhance the success achieved in the past.
Dr. Alliyu Tanko, the Coordinator of the Hajji Saving Scheme, extended a message from the NAHCON Chairman/CEO, stating his commitment to providing the best services possible to Nigerian Pilgrims in all aspects.
In response, Ar-Rayyan Muglan, the vice-president of the Mutawwif company, expressed willingness to cooperate with NAHCON in enhancing the 2023 Hajj operation.
He considered their long-standing collaboration with the Nigerian Hajj Mission as a great opportunity and honor to serve the guests of Allah in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Mr. Muglan reiterated commitment to listen to NAHCON’s suggestions and ideas for improving service delivery to the Pilgrims.
He also mentioned that the Mutawwif Medical team would cooperate with NAHCON’s medical personnel through shared contacts and organized workshops.
Mr. Muglan assured the meeting attendees that “the field offices had devised strategies to ensure the comfort and satisfaction of the 95,000 Pilgrims.”
He also affirmed that the Mutawwif company is prepared to work tirelessly, 24/7, just as NAHCON staff are accustomed to during the Hajj exercise, to achieve a positive outcome.
The meeting was attended by Mr. Adnan Mukhtar, the Head of Ground Handling and Accommodation section of the company, the Head of 18 Field Offices, and operational staff from NAHCON Makkah Office, among others.
