Rauf Aregbesola, Minister of Interior
The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) is presently working on the various ways it could reduce hajj fare to make it affordable for pilgrims going for Hajj pilgrimage next year.
The commission is also considering adoption of a saving scheme for any interested intending pilgrims so as to ease payment of fares.
The Lagos Zonal Coordinator of NAHCON, Alhaji Gafar Babatunde revealed the innovations the commission is adopting during his recent visit to the Ogun State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board (OGSMPWB) at Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta.
Alhaji Babatunde who said the aim of his visit to the state hajj board was to keep Ogun abreast of NAHCON’s objectives as it prepares for the next Hajj operation also revealed that plan is on-going to have a Hajj institute where stakeholders can take up courses and get trained in its operations and any other innovations.
He maintained that NAHCON can accommodate to ensure that pilgrims generally have value for their money in order to ensure a successful 2021 Hajj operation in Lagos Zone,
Alhaji Babatunde promised the support of the commission for Ogun State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board to achieve a smooth implementation in Nigeria and Saudi Arabia.
He highlighted the intentions of the Commission, ranging from issues of hajj fare reduction, training institute, saving scheme, logistics among others, which he said deserved attention.
The Zonal Coordinator also added that challenges faced during 2019 Hajj operation had been noted and duly communicated.
“Let me use this opportunity to appreciate the calmness of Ogun pilgrims at the last Hajj operation. Despite logistics challenges recorded, you bear with us. We will do our best to move forward, so we can all have a better Hajj experience next year” he added.
In his remarks, the Executive Secretary, OGSMPWB, Alh Salau Dauda stated the need for a proper synergy between NAHCON and individual States, saying the visit was a good development necessary to avoid hiccups during the operation.
Salau expressed the need for developmental projects to cut across all States in the federation, saying it would give member States more value for their contributions and give them a true sense of belonging.
“We are mindful of NAHCON’S efforts so far and we are also trusting that they will in due time spread Hajj developmental projects across member States in Nigeria and also make “better arrangements for logistics, airline to be precise, so we all can have better stories to tell”, Salau said.
