COVID-19: NAHCON orders suspension of pilgrims enlightenment

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has directed states Muslim Pilgrims welfare Board and agencies to suspend pilgrims enlightenment programmes due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Hajj Commission in a circular had directed all States’ Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Boards/Agencies/Commissions to suspend pilgrims’ sensitization activities nationwide until further notice.

A statement by NAHCON’s spokesperson, Fatima Usara, said the directive became necessary because of the threat to health posed by the COVID-19 infection with its potency of rapid transmission in large gatherings.

Usara said the commission holds the duty to protect pilgrims as well as intending pilgrims from hazardous circumstances whether in or outside the country.

The NAHCON spokesperson said the suspension was also in line with Federal Government directive to ban all public gatherings whether religious or social and to support social distancing advise by the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC).

“However, all necessary preparatory steps for 2020 Hajj goes on, the document advised. Intending pilgrims and whom it may concern are kindly invited to note,” Usara said.