FROM MUHAMMAD KABIR, KANO
The Coordinator National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), in Charge of Medina, Ahmad Maigari has in an effort to synergize with other sister organizations in ensuring hitch-free Hajj exercise Met with several Heads of Establishments in the city.
Maigari met with Heads of the establishment of Mutawifs for pilgrims from Non-Arab African countries known as Adhilla in Madina to ascertain their level of operations and areas of concern in the ongoing Hajj operation exercise to ensure smooth conduct.
The meeting, which held Thursday, was to further synchronize information about Nigerian pilgrims arrival with each organization to prepare for their reception.
The Organizations and establishments also informed the Nigerian official on the decision to close Madinah pilgrims reception on the 5-Dhu al-Hijjah-1440, to concentrate on evacuating the pilgrims that are in Madina to Makkah.
Also, regarding Pilgrims that patronize tour operators, a decision was made that this year; the establishment will only be releasing pilgrims in groups unlike previous years where they release them individually.
Maigari assured them of the Commission’s commitment to serving Nigerian pilgrims.
“I wish to reiterate NAHCON’s steadfast commitment to continue it’s efforts in serving Nigerian pilgrims and also to assure you that the Ag Chairman will not relent in seeing Nigerian pilgrims enjoy world standard services, ” he said.
He called on the Adhilla establishment to put in more efforts to improve service delivery to Nigerian pilgrims.
In his response, Wael Habib, who is responsible for Nigerian pilgrims expressed satisfaction working with NAHCON and called on the commission to sensitize tour operators on their guidelines.
” I commend the efforts of Nigeria and I wish Nigerian pilgrims Hajj Mabrur, however I want to call your humble attention to the issue of tour operators, we want you to sensitize them on our 24 hours maximum notification on pilgrims movement so as to facilitate all that they may require in good time, we are here to serve the pilgrims” he said.
The tour operators are expected to furnish the establishment with the accurate number of pilgrims and the dates of arrival and departure from Madinah to Makkah at least 48 hours before their pilgrims’ movement.
