NAHCON commissions institute to professionalise pilgrimage

National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has commissioned an academic pilgrimage institution to enhance professionalism, manpower and create jobs for the teeming youths.

Speaking, yesterday, during commissioning of the Hajj Institute of Nigeria (HIN), NAHCON Chairman/CEO, Zikrullah Kunle Hassan, noted that the new body would ensure that Nigeria remains at the forefront of global pilgrimage and Umrah industry as far as excellence is concerned.

“Over a decade ago, there was a general concern among the Nigerian Ummah that Hajj was an all-comer affair, where anyone ventures into irrespective of his or her educational background. The leadership of NAHCON initiated a process aimed at professionalising the industry, which I was part of. Little then did I know that I would be in the driver’s seat when that project finally takes off,” he said.

Hassan explained that the institute was established to improve quality of manpower in the Hajj and Umrah sector for Nigeria to adhere to global standards.

“You will agree with me that the world is rapidly advancing in technology and it has become imperative that NAHCON keeps pace with these global trends. In view of this, it has become necessary for us to refocus our strategies and embrace the latest advancements in ICT. The Saudi Vision 2030, which all Hajj entities across the globe need to align to, has placed a high premium on excellent pilgrims’ services driven by ICT. It is for this reason that HIN will provide a platform for training and research on various aspects of Hajj and Umrah, including use of technology to improve our operations and services,” he added.

Secretary to Government of the Federation (SGF), Boss Mustapha, clarified that the institute was to enhance capacity of hajj officials, bridge existing skills gap in the economy and ensure effective management of “our yearly pilgrimage to the Holy Land.”

He said the Federal Government remains committed to supporting institutions like HIN, whose programmes are in tune with vision of the current administration.