Last Wednesday, the Hajj and Umrah Tour Operators Association paid a courtesy visit to the Chairman/CEO of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Alhaji Abdullahi Saleh, to congratulate and show solidarity with the new helmsman.

The visit was a fruit of a request channelled through the Commissioner of Operations, Alhaji Anofiu Elegushi Olanrewaju as the association sought collaboration with the national agency in charge of hajj operation.

As an independent body ready to work with the mandate of the Commission for better service delivery to the Nigerian pilgrims, the group had requested for a familiarisation visit during which mandates of both parties could be clearly marshalled and well defined.

In his speech, the President of the Association, Alhaji Mohammed Auwal Sulaiman, informed the Commission about their legally registered association with the CAC, which makes them eligible for the recognition as part of the Hajj industry. “NAHCON being the body to rely on, the association’s board members decided to visit the Commission to inform them of their existence.” He pledged the group’s loyalty and support.

However, the Secretary of the Association, Alhaji Bemekun Rasheed Adekunle, stated how impressed he was with the refund NAHCON made to the Nigerian pilgrims, which is the first of its kind, and assured their solidarity to the Commission, to support and not to fight the Commission for better service delivery to the Nigerian pilgrims. The Association’s Legal Adviser, Hajiya Kehinde, stated that transparency, accountability, and honesty are the sole reasons for the existence of the body.

The Chairman/CEO, in his remarks, welcomed the association and assured that the Commission is for all and ever ready to work with them, and he is fully in support of their resolve in serving the pilgrims and projecting a good image of the country. He further advised them to unite and boost their performance in delivering better service to their pilgrims. “The doors of the Commission are always open and ever ready to work with you as a body,” Professor Saleh stated.