TheCable

The Independent Hajj Reporters (IHR), a civil society organisation, has asked the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) to announce the date for the commencement of transporting intending pilgrims to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

In a statement on Monday, Ibrahim Mohammed, IHR coordinator, said the delay in the announcement may disrupt the proper planning of the intending travellers who may be caught unawares within a few days.

Mohammed said there are only ten days left before the commencement of the airlift of pilgrims by all hajj participating countries.

“We are sad to note that with just a few days left until the closure of the e-track portal for visa issuance, NAHCON is yet to announce when and where the inaugural flight will take place,” he said.

“IHR is beginning to get apprehensive over the deliberate withholding of vital information from pilgrims — whose interests the commission and States Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Boards are to serve all the time. 

“Nigerian registered pilgrims comprise civil servants, farmers, businessmen women and entrepreneurs. Each pilgrim is expected to spend a minimum of 28 to 30 days in Saudi Arabia and as such they need timely information on their departure dates to make adequate provision for their families and dependants.

“While we acknowledge the ‘shortage of time’ inherited by this board due to the ‘unnecessary wastage of precious time’ by the former board of the commission before announcing the commencement of 2024 hajj registration, we believe that announcing the date of the commencement of airlift will allow intending pilgrims to plan properly and not to be caught unawares within few days in a rush hour mode.”