Hajj 2024: How NAHCON Set New Standard for Pilgrimage
The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has declared that the recently concluded 2024 hajj operations represent a significant departure from previous experiences and have set an enviable record in the annals of hajj exercises.
Mal. Jala Ahmed Arabi, the NAHCON Chairman, shared this account during an interactive session with members of the National Media Team of the commission in Makkah.
Mal. Arabi explained that, despite the initial challenges associated with pilgrims’ welfare at the sacred sites, NAHCON, under his leadership, has elevated the standards of hajj operations in Nigeria.
Acknowledging that NAHCON is not immune to mistakes, Mal. Arabi emphasized the commission’s commitment to learning from weaknesses and redoubling efforts to build sustainable hajj operations in the future.
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Key Success Areas in the Outgoing Exercise include Airlift Efficiency as NAHCON achieved a remarkable milestone by airlifting 100 percent of Nigerian pilgrims well ahead of Saudi Arabia’s deadline, eliminating the need for visa extension requests.
He also disclosed improvementin Pilgrim Services with adequate bed space and sufficient meals provided for Nigerian pilgrims at Muna and Arafah, addressing previous challenges.
Mal. Arabi stated, “While we don’t claim perfection, our successes surpass those of 2023. Pilgrims in 2022 and 2023 will notice abundant food and water in 2024. There has been a clear departure from 2023, with no pilgrim complaints about bed space or food scarcity.”
Challenges Related to Downsizing of Pilgrims’ Basic Travel Allowance (BTA):
The economic downturn affecting Nigeria has led to fluctuations in the Naira-to-dollar exchange rate, impacting the BTA for pilgrims.
Regarding criticism and shortcomings observed by some state governments regarding the performance of hajj 2024, Mal. Arabi chose not to engage in disputes with political leaders.
By PRNigeria
