Hajj: All Nigerian Intending Pilgrims Accounted For — NAHCON

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) says it has recorded no loss of pilgrims in Medina, meaning all pilgrims are accounted for.

The NAHCON Medina Coordinator, Sheikh Ibrahim Idris Mahmud, made the disclosure in press briefing held at the NAHCON office in Medina, and revealed in a statement by a member of the National Media Team of NAHCON, Ibrahim Abdullahi on Friday.

He said that as of yesterday, 33,818 pilgrims had arrived Medina in 80 flights while 10,386 have so far moved to Mecca in preparations of the Hajj exercise.

The Coordinator further stated that within this period, pilgrims have been performing their prayers in the Prophet's Mosque and making visitations to some spiritual and historical places. 

Sheikh Mahmud also said that NAHCON has opened a central clinic at the Commission's office and three other outposts in strategic pilgrims accommodations in order to attend to pilgrims that need medical care.

The Coordinator pointed out that NAHCON has inspection, monitoring and evaluation committees that go round and listen to pilgrims and submit reports to the relevant committees for proper actions, adding that it aimed at ensuring that the interests of the pilgrims are adequately looked after.

"There has been a manager in each building accommodating pilgrims and his room and contact are made known to them so that whatever pilgrim wants if he/she contact the manager he will link him up to the relevant committee so that his/her ordeal is addressed in due course." 

He disclosed that the Commission is aware that some caterers are not complying with the agreed terms and conditions of feeding the pilgrims, pointing out that NAHCON "has summoned and discussed with them that if there is any problem they should let the Commission know for proper action to be taken and can work together to sort it out."

"And we warned them them that they should abide by our rules and regulations.     

On Raudha permit, Sheikh Mahmud explained that the issue started last year and NAHCON was not aware till when they came to Saudi Arabia where the authority told them that Raudha permit has been introduced that no pilgrim will be allowed access to Raudha except he/she has permit.

He further explained that this year NAHCON has made arrangement for ensuring that every pilgrim has opportunity to entre Raudha.

"Unfortunately, about three to four days back we couldn't register a pilgrim due to technical problems.

"Even on Wednesday  we had meeting with the officer in-charge of the Raudha.

"He told us that we should exercise patience because they have about 60,000 applications from various countries hanged.

"And states pilgrims welfare boards are aware of it.”     

On reducing the number of days in Medina, the Coordinator said that the construction works being taken place in Medina causes congestion, which is why NAHCON was advised to reduce days of staying in Medina for two reasons.

"First for the NAHCON to bring in more pilgrims, second for the Saudi authority to decongest the city.
    
"Life is all about challenges. As I am speaking to you, these challenges are being addressed.

"The Commission's management is committed to ensuring that pilgrims are performing their Hajj rites in ease while staying in Medina."