NAHCON Faults Saudi Arabia Authorities over Poor Handlings of Facilities for Nigerian Pilgrims

Hammed Shittu in Makkah

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria, (NAHCON) has expressed dissatisfaction over the inadequate tents for Nigerian pilgrims at Muna by the Saudi  Arabia Company.

The company  was vested with the responsibility of securing enough tents at the Mashã’ir for Nigerians but failed to live to the expectations of the NAHCON.

Already, the Commission would hold talks  with the Saudi Arabia authorities over the plights of Nigerian pilgrims in Muna.

The Chairman of the Commission, Alhaji Zikrullah Kunle Hassan, made the disclosure in Muna in Makkah on while speaking with journalists on the poor handlings of tents and feeding schedules for the Nigerian pilgrims in Muna.

He said apart from this, the Commission was  not pleased with the feeding arrangement for the pilgrims.

He stated that, “NAHCON envisaged that this problem was most likely to occur and therefore suggested that they be involved, but the Saudi authorities concerned insisted they had a mega kitchen, the know-how and about three alternate plans to deliver to the satisfaction of all.”

The Chairman added that his Commission had already notified the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah over the Nigerian plight over tents and feeding.

He also said, “the management of NAHCON is  scheduled to meet later to night(Monday) to review situations on ground and chart a cause on how to solve the problems encountered so far and how to move forward.”

Hassan, further stated that there had been a standing rule that only satisfactory services provided would be charged and paid for, while refunds were made for those poorly handled, saying however, pilgrims paid not to be refunded, but to have the comfort to worship Allah with ease.

He said NAHCON would insist and press for a serious, meaningful and satisfactory improvement within the shortest possible time, so that Nigerian pilgrims would conclude their Hajj rituals with less stress.

On the condition of the pilgrims generally, the NAHCON boss expressed delight that they were on high spirit inspite of the unexpected challenges they are contending with in the meantime.

Meanwhile, NAHCON yesterday, said it would continue to provide necessary support and additional resources to ensure the comfort and security of every Nigerian pilgrim so as to ensure hitch-free hajji operations in Saudi Arabia.

Over two million pilgrims across the world, including Nigerians, are at Mina, ahead of Arafat day slated for today.

The development however has brought tent shortages at Mina for the 95,000 Nigerian pilgrims that are currently performing this year hajji exercise in Makkah.

A statement issued in Mina, yesterday, signed by the NAHCON Deputy Director of Information and Publications, Alhaji Mousa Ubandawaki stated that, “the Commission acknowledges the current challenges faced by our pilgrims at the Mina outing.

“The commission is fully aware of the shortage of adequate tent space in Mina, and we consider it our utmost responsibility to address this issue promptly and transparently.”

The statement added: “As the first post-COVID full quota allocation, we anticipated certain challenges would arise.

“NAHCON meticulously planned and prepared to overcome these anticipated difficulties.

“Regrettably, the primary issue currently faced by our pilgrims is the shortage of tent spaces. Rest assured, we have already taken proactive steps to tackle this matter, prioritising the safety and wellbeing of all Nigerian pilgrims.”