Despite hitches, Nigerians join two million pilgrims, pray at Mou

Muslim pilgrims gather on Mount Arafat, also known as Jabal al-Rahma (Mount of Mercy), southeast of holy city of Mecca, on Arafat Day which is the climax of the Hajj pilgrimage (AFP / AHMAD AL-RUBAYE)

Despite logistic challenges, Nigerian pilgrims joined over two million Muslims that converged on Mount Arafat, yesterday, to perform part of the sacred rituals of Hajj in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Amid a scorching temperature of about 47 degrees Celsius, pilgrims endured the discomfort to fulfil the Fifth Pillar of their religion.

About 95,000 Nigerian pilgrims moved from the tent city of Muna, near Makkah, on Monday, and proceeded to the holy site of Arafat, where they stood in ardent supplication until sunset. The pilgrims, thereafter, returned to Musdalifah, a vast land, where they passed the night.

The spiritual exercise continues today, with the pilgrims proceeding to Jamurah, another significant point, where devotees would rebuke Satan.

But the 2023 Hajj did not come without hiccups, including cases of pilgrims allegedly stranded, shortage of tents at Muna, and inability of some visitors to adequately feed.

The Guardian specifically observed acute shortage of makeshift tents at Kano, Kaduna, Katsina, Adamawa and other camps. Similarly, food shortage was noticed at several camps, especially at Muna, where some pilgrims turned to rationing.

Reacting, National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), the agency responsible for coordinating pilgrimage in the country, acknowledged some of the challenges and pledged prompt attention.

The commission insisted success attained in the 2023 operation would stand the test of time, especially in areas of timely completion of airlift, accommodation of pilgrims at five star hotels in Medinah, and feeding.

Addressing journalists before departing Nigeria, NAHCON’s Chairman, Zikrullah Kunle Hassan, said airlift of 73,000 pilgrims across the 35 states, Federal Capital Territory, the Armed Forces, and officials of the commission was completed in good time.

He said NAHCON also ensured quick rescue of non-conventional pilgrims from private tour agencies, who shared over 20,000 slots, even as he debunked allegations that some pilgrims were stranded.

On shortage of food and tents in Muna, the commission attributed the challenge to inadequate provision of facilities by the host country.

A statement by Deputy Director, Media and Publication, Mousa Ubandawaki, noted that the host provided 10,000 additional tents to ease the shortage.