NAHCON Boss, Jalal Arabi, Promises New Dawn, Better Deal for Pilgrims

NAHCON Boss, Jalal Arabi, Promises New Dawn, Better Deal for Pilgrims

The newly appointed Chairman of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Alhaji Jalal Ahmad Arabi, has vowed to implement necessary changes in policy direction of the Commission in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

President Tinubu had in a statement by his spokesman, Ajuri Ngelale, on Tuesday appointed Arabi – a career civil servant who retired as the Permanent Secretary of the State House, Abuja – as the new CEO of NAHCON.

Arabi who resumed office on Wednesday morning promised to address perpetual complaints of Nigerian pilgrims, adding that their days of woes are over.

He acknowledged the great job done by his predecessors, insisting however that there is always room for improvement and that progress must take place under his watch.

“We must accept that others have done their best in the past. But no matter what, there is always something we can do better. It is time to turn a new page. The Renewed Hope Agenda is genuine. For some of us who followed the President round during the electioneering campaign, we saw first-hand how he promised better deal for Nigerians across the country,” he said.

While addressing the board, management and staff of the Commission, the Chairman urged them to sit up to be able to face the onerous task ahead.

“We must address things that are going awry. If you can’t handle the task, you can leave. We will even open the door for you. But if you stay, you must deliver. This place is not beyond redemption and we will fix it.

“We will work as a team. I am a good listener. I don’t know it all. I will always give you fair hearing. I am quiet but I can sting. My 8 clock is my 8 o clock. I will never sit on your right. But you must earn it,” the Chairman stated.

He also emphasised that trust, sacrifice and accountability will form the guilding principle of his tenure, adding that he must deliver on the assignment because it is a rare privilege to be asked to enhance and facilitate one of the pillars of Islam for thousands of Muslims across the country.

He called on all staff of the Commission and other stakeholders involved in the Hajj business to put the fear of Allah first in all they do, adding that if they escape scrutiny on earth, they won’t escape justice in the hereafter.

Speaking earlier, the outgoing Acting Chairman, Alhaji Nura Yakassai, said the new helmsman is coming at a critical time in the preparations for next year’s Hajj operation.

He added that the Saudi authorities have given Nigeria a very short time to prepare for the 2024 exercise, adding that there are enough competent staff in the Commission to help the new Chairman to succeed.

By PRNigeria