Hajj 2016: Priority Will Be Given To First Timers – Commission

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has began preparations for the 2016 Hajj operations in Saudi Arabia, drawing attention of Muslims to the fact that the Commission would as usual give priority to first timers.

A statement by the Commission’s head of Media, Alhaji Uba Mana said that the reason is to give ample opportunity to those that have not performed the Hajj to discharge their obligation.

The statement said however, that Hajj officials are exempted from this restriction due to essential nature of their duties, adding that this is in line with Pilgrims’ Registration guidelines issued by the Commission recently.

“Similarly, all Pilgrims Welfare Bodies/Agencies/Commissions are expected to collect payment deposits from intending pilgrims and remit same to the Commission as and when due, in line with the 2016 Hajj calendar of events.

“Reservation of slots for any reason whatsoever, including Government Sponsored pilgrims beyond the stipulated deadline for pilgrims registration is strictly is not acceptable as doing so will undermine Nigeria’s full compliance to the Saudi Hajj e-track requirement which usually results to loss of Hajj slots.

“Any Pilgrims Welfare Body or Tour Operator that collects payment from any intending pilgrim for 2016 Hajj and is unable to take such person for Hajj for no fault of the intending pilgrim, will bear the additional cost that might arise in the process of conveying such pilgrim for Hajj.”

The statement said that these decisions were taken at the end of the 7^th Board meeting of the Commission held on Thursday 14^th April, 2016. [myad]