A Civil Society Group – an Independent Hajj Reporters (IHR), has tasked the new board of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) to get prepare for the enormous challenges ahead.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Tuesday announced the appointment of Alh. Jalal Ahmad Arabi, retired Federal Permanent Secretary from Gombe State as new Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Commission for the first tenure of four years.

Tinubu had directed the immediate past Chairman, Alh. Zikrullah Kunle Hassan, whose tenure ends in January 2024 to proceed on pre-terminal retirement while dissolving the entire members of the board.

In a statement by National Coordinator, Ibrahim Mohammad on yesterday, IHR

applauded the newly appointed NAHCON Chairman, Alh. Arabi, just as he commended the immediate past board headed by Alh. Hassan for services rendered to Nigerian pilgrims despite challenges.

While setting an agenda before the new NAHCON board, IHR canvassed the urgent need for massive public enlightenment across the country to meet the new Saudi Arabia guidelines for 2024 Hajj.

The statement reminded the new ‘Sheriff in Town’ of the limited periods stipulated for conclusion of pilgrims’ registration, visa issuance, arrangement with service providers and aviation service, advocated decisive action to kick the ball rolling.

The IHR group that monitors and reports activities in the Hajj and Umrah industry urged the new board to hit the ground running by continuing where the last board stopped by ensuring prompt registration of intending pilgrims and engagement of capable service providers for Hajj 2024.

“As retired Permanent Secretary in the Federal Civil Service, it is expected for the new Chairman to put in place, a comprehensive and sustainable Hajj policy that focuses on efficient service delivery for Nigerian pilgrims and see to its implementation at every stage.

“We also note that the new chairman is coming into office at the right time with a timeline of activities regarding Hajj 2024, just picking up. But as a seasoned civil servant, the new NAHCON helmsman comes onboard with a technocratic experience which we believe will come to bear as he assumes duty.

“While commending the immediate past board of the commission for doing well despite numerous challenges, IHR particularly paid tribute to the Zikirullah Kunle Hassan-board for the take-off of Hajj Savings Scheme and the Hajj Institute of Nigeria. We wish the incoming CEO a successful tenure in office”, Mohammad noted.