NAHCON commends Saudi on 2023 MoU, hajj preparation

The chairman and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Alhaji Zikrullah Kunle Hassan, has thanked the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) for the cooperation enjoyed by the Nigerian team during the signing of Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and for facilitating early preparations for the 2023 Hajj.

In a statement personally signed by the chairman, and released to the media, the commission said it enjoyed the mutual working relationship between the two countries, adding that their approval is a fundamental prelude to the success of the season’s pilgrimage.

He said the Muslim world no doubt appreciates the Kingdom for the huge sacrifices it is making for pilgrims to be comfortable during Hajj and Umrah, in terms of resources and manpower.

“On behalf of the Nigerian delegation to the recently concluded MoU signing event in the KSA for the 2023 Hajj, I have the privilege of appreciating authorities of the kingdom for the cooperation enjoyed by the Nigerian team.

“Particularly, I commended His Majesty and Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud; and the Crown Prince that doubles as Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia, Muhammad Bin Salman Al Saud, for facilitating early preparations for the 2023 year’s Hajj.

“Truly, Nigeria had over the years enjoyed a mutual working relationship and support from the KSA and we in the commission bear witness to this. Their commitment and understanding accelerated the signing of favourable deals on behalf of the Nigerian pilgrims for the 2023 Hajj.

“I register my appreciation to the Mutawwifs of Non-Arab African Countries, otherwise known as Mu’assasa for earlier releasing refunds for services not rendered to the Nigerian pilgrims for the 2022 Hajj. We see the Mu’assasa as partners with integrity whose words are their honour. Hence, the Mu’assasa, under the leadership of Mr Ahmad Sindy, is perfecting arrangements for the comfort and welfare of Nigeria’s contingent to the 2023 Hajj. NAHCON had never been in doubt of the establishment’s support,” Hassan said.

According to him, the same cooperation was accorded to the delegation during its visit to General Authority for Civil Aviation (GACA). The delegation, he said, was received by its General Manager on Hajj Operations, Nazim Pazhair. He explained that the support was witnessed at the Adillah Establishment in Madinah; at the Car Syndicate; at the Islamic Development Bank, as well as at the United Agents authorities.

“I recognise the contributions made by the Minister of State, Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Zubair Dada, Senate Committee Chairman on Foreign Affairs, Senator Adamu Bulkachuwa and his counterpart from the House Committee on Pilgrimage, Hassan Nalaraba, towards the success of the forthcoming season. NAHCON stands by its commitment to ensuring the realisation of a smooth 2023 Hajj,” he declared.