Hajj 2024: NAHCON, FAAN perfect strategies on hitch-free operation

• List of services providers for pilgrims in Saudi out

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has charged the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) to, as a matter of urgency, put in place necessary facilities at the country’s Hajj departure zone to ensure a seamless airlift operation during next year’s Hajj.

The Acting Chairman/CEO of the Commission, Malam Jalal Ahmed Arabi gave this charge when members of FAAN’s Hajj Committee paid him a courtesy visit in the Board Room of the Commission on Tuesday in Abuja.

In a statement issued by NAHCON Deputy Director, Information and Publication, Mousa Ubandawaki, the Chairman said that the provision of necessary navigation equipment and facilities at Hajj departure centres across the country would facilitate a seamless Hajj Airlift.

“You are a formidable partner in Hajj operation. Though, there are certain considerations put in place during Hajj airlift and we expect you to tell us the state of the various Airports used for Hajj Airlift.”

According to him, the Committee should be time conscious as they would have limited time to carry out their assignments, going by the timeline set by Saudi Arabia for all nations to conclude all Hajj arrangements early.

Earlier in his address, the leader of the delegation, who is the Director Airport Operations, Captain Mukhtar Yusuf Muye, said that the Authority has commenced preparations for the 2024 Hajj about two months ago so that they can achieve a hitch-free operation.

He assured that the exercise would be complete before the commencement of Hajj airlift in the 16 departure Airports across the Country. Capt. Muye, however, urged the Commission to persuade the Tour Operators companies to comply with the arrangements of Airlifting their pilgrims through the international Terminals instead of the Hajj Terminal as that denies the Authority of valuable revenue that they supposed to generate for the purpose of providing the necessary infrastructural facilities at the airports.

He assured the Commission of the Authority’s commitments to discharge its duties diligently so that the Nigerian Pilgrims can enjoy a hitch-free airlift during the 2024 Hajj Operation.

Meanwhile, the commission has released the list of qualified companies that applied for accommodation and catering services for 2024 Hajj in Saudi Arabia.

The list as displayed on the NAHCON’s website shows the name of the 85 companies that applied and qualified to provide catering and accommodation services for Nigerian pilgrims in both Madinah and Makkah.