Hajj: On May 25, NAHCON begins the airlift of pilgrims. The airlift of pilgrims to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia will start on May 25, 2023, a...
Hajj: On May 25, NAHCON begins the airlift of pilgrims.
The airlift of pilgrims to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia will start on May 25, 2023, according to a statement made on Saturday by the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria.
The four local airlines contracted to transport Nigerian pilgrims for the 2023 Hajj exercise have proposed a $250 increase in the Hajj ticket, according to the commission.
This was said in Abuja at a one-day workshop for Hajj officials hosted by the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, by NAHCON Chairman/CEO Hassan Zikrullah.
NAHCON served as the event's host, and the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah provided the event's resource speakers.
Air Peace, Azman, Max Air, and Aero Contractors, according to Zikrullah, based the request on the Sudanese conflict, which they claimed would result in a longer journey time to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Due to the higher cost of adopting a different route, the airlines had declined to join the NAHCON airlift deal.
However, the CEO of NAHCON gave the assurance that the pilgrims wouldn't be asked to pay an additional fee.
"Our local airlines accepted the sum of $250 to the increase in the cost of air tickets for this year's operation after several rounds of negotiation," he added. We continue to explore all options for dealing with the related effects of this money. We continue to make serious efforts to bring an immediate and peaceful end to the war in Sudan so that airspace may be opened and the senseless killing of Sudanese citizens can stop.
"At NAHCON, we are exploring every option to guarantee that we find a solution to the problem of this added expense. We have determined that regardless of the course we take, the pilgrims won't be required to provide the appropriate state-level pilgrim boards any additional money. They won't be required to pay any additional money.
Zikrullah stated as well that after the announcement of the final fare, the commission discovered two additional service charges from Saudi Arabia totaling $63 that had not been included in prior negotiations.
Adding that "we are hoping for a positive response," he stated that NAHCON has already written to the Ministry of Hajj to draw notice to the increase.
The commission "has decided not to add this burden to our intended pilgrims," the NAHCON boss added.
According to Zikrullah, the commission is now a self-sustaining organization that does not receive government funding and instead brings in money for the government.
Speaking of the airlift of pilgrims, Hassan also revealed that the commission has "mapped out a 25 days strategic airlift plan beginning May 25 that will see to the successful airlift of all Nigerian pilgrims to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia"
While the advanced team of authorities will depart on May 21, he stated that pilgrims will begin their journey on May 25.
According to Zikrullah, the evacuation of all Nigerian pilgrims to Saudi Arabia will be completed in 25 days if the timetables and plan are followed.
He expressed happiness that Nigeria was picked for the workshop throughout the training.
According to the information we have, among the nations of black Africa, Nigeria is the only one who benefits from this kind of workshop. We consider it an honor to be acknowledged and take part in this training, he stated.
Zikrullah continued by stating that Nigeria is among the few countries to have so far established a Hajj training institute anywhere outside the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia with a former University Vice Chancellor as its rector. Nigeria is also known for continuously training all of its offices in all aspects of Hajj management.
Because the Hajj requires professionalism in the areas of ICT, Hajj management, electronic ticketing, catering, and similar areas, the Hajj Training Institute was established, he continued.
While thanking NAHCON for hosting the workshop, the Director-General and Consultant to the Deputy Minister for Hajj and Umrah in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Dr. Badr Alsolami, said the ministry decided to organize the training because Nigerian Hajj officials take the success of each year's Hajj pilgrimage very seriously.
During the yearly Hajj activity, he proclaimed that Nigeria runs one of the best Hajj operations.
According to Alsolami, Nigeria is one of the finest at organizing the annual Hajj pilgrimage. We are here to ensure that they keep succeeding because of this. Sincerely hoping NAHCON takes home this year's prize for the best Hajj Affairs office; they merit it.
He said that the training would train Nigerian Hajj officials specifically in crowd control and communication.
Alsolami noted that his team had prepared well for the training and had brought along various items, including as audio-visual materials for distribution to Nigerian pilgrims in both English and Hausa.
The pilgrims' understanding of the services that will be provided to them and what is required of them as well is our goal, he said.
He continued by saying that the workshop's effects will be evaluated during the upcoming Hajj exercise, and the results would be disseminated to other participating nations.
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