The Chairman of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Alhaji Zikrullah Kunle Hassan, on Wednesday, met with the distinguished Ulama of Nigeria at the Hajj House. The meeting was held to discuss relevant issues concerning the 2023 Hajj operations and to foster a stronger working relationship between NAHCON and the scholars.
Zikrullah, accompanied by the Commissioners of Operations and Licensing; PPMF as well as PRSILS: Alhaji Abdullahi Magaji Hardawa; Alhaji Nura Hassan Yakasai; Sheikh Suleiman Momoh in that order, thanked the Ulama for their presence and acknowledged their invaluable contribution to the Hajj. Throughout his remarks, he stressed the value of collaboration and sought the guidance of Ulamah on various matters, emphasizing the guidance and enlightenment they provide pilgrims.
Using their extensive knowledge and experience in religious matters and pilgrimage management, the scholars also shared their insights and recommendations were made on certain issues.
The Chairman assured the Ulamah that their suggestions and concerns would be considered. He emphasized NAHCON’s commitment to ensuring a smooth and successful 2023 Hajj Operations that will provide a safe and spiritually enriching experience for all Nigerian pilgrims.
He reiterated NAHCON’s resolve to working closely with the Ulamah and other stakeholders to address the challenges, threby improving the overall Hajj experience.
Meanwhile, the Commission has underscored the steady progress that the 2023 hajj airlift has recorded in the last one week. In a statement issued yesterday, the Assistant Director, NAHCON Public Affairs, Fatima Sanda Usara disclosed that Benue, Nasarawa and Plateau states had concluded airlift of their pligrims while other states are recording steady progress as well. She attributed the success, partly, to NAHCON’s decision to increase the number of its air carriers to five this year.
Hajia Usara, however, noted that a technical hitch affected one of the Commission’s contracted air carriers conveying Jigawa State pilgrims to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for the 2023 Hajj. She clarified that the hitch was caused by uncontrollable natural circumstance, particularly turbulence as a result of heavy rainfall, and thus, forced the aircraft to land temporarily at the Aminu Kano International Airport in Kano.
While the occurrence caused an inevitable delay, no doubt, the Chairman of the Commission, Alhaji Zikrullah Kunle Hassan assured Nigerian pilgrims, particularly those affected by the unavoidable development, that the situation had been well managed and would not derail the movement of pilgrims for the Hajj.
“So far, close to 14,000 pilgrims are safely in Madinah and the number of flights transporting pilgrims to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia will also increase in a couple of days. The operation is going on as planned with back-up measures put in place in case of any unforeseen circumstances. Therefore, intending pilgrims are enjoined to remain in a state of readiness at all times for imminent departure to Saudi Arabia,” Hajia Usara said, adding that, “NAHCON will keep the public updated with necessary information on the progress of the operation.”
