TheCable

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) on Wednesday said Saudi Arabia was yet to pay compensation to families/victims of the crane mishap that occurred during the 2015 Hajj.

Saleh Okenwa, NAHCON’s commissioner of planning, research, statistic, information and library service, said this in an interview with NAN.

“NAHCON is yet to receive information about the compensation of victims of the crane crash from the Saudi authorities,” he said.

“But the Nigerian Consulate in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is monitoring developments and Nigerians would be fully informed about any development.

“I am confident that the Saudi Arabian government will keep to its promise because they are people of their words.”

He added that NAHCON officials would be visiting Saudi Arabia later in February to get an update on the issue.

Okenwa said the commission would also meet officials of the Saudi Arabian ministry of hajj as part of efforts to ensure early preparation and success of the 2016 hajj.

Okenwa explained that the meeting would be a follow up on the earlier ones held in Saudi to sign agreement with accommodation and food providers in Mecca and Medina.

Six Nigerian pilgrims lost their lives in the tragic crane incident that occurred at the Grand Mosque in Ka’abah, Mecca, on September 11.