Chairman of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON),’Zikrullahi Kunle Hassan has sought the approval of President Muhammadu Buhari to take over accommodation arrangement in Makkah, Saudi Arabia, for Nigerian pilgrims from the states.“With your kind approval this year, we are working to take full charge of Makkan accommodation because hitherto, the states have been in charge. The idea is that when we take full charge, we will be able to reduce further the cost and to do this, we need to engage the accommodation agents and owners in a possible two to three-year lease with a view to having a reduction in price.”
Zikrullahi made this request today, March 20 when he led the new management of Commission to the presidential villa, Abuja to brief President Muhammadu Buhari on the preparation for the 2020 hajj operations.
Zikrullah Kunle Hassan told the President of the efforts of the commission to make life better for Nigerians on pilgrimage, saying that the Saudi government had given some concessions to Nigerians, especially in the way of accommodation and tents.
He assured the President of even better deals next year when his Board fully takes over negotiations.
NAHCON boss appealed to the President to constitute the Board of Trustees of the Hajj Savings Scheme to make it easier for pilgrims to perform their religious obligation.
He said that he is currently in discussions with the Federal Ministry of Health on the Covid-19 pandemic as the Commission aligns itself with government positions in tackling the scourge.
This was even as President Buhari emphasized the need for the Commission to work to guarantee the safety and security of the pilgrims at all times.
“I am pleased that you are working with the Ministry of Health on protecting our citizens from Covid-19 virus.”
“You must work to guarantee the safety and security of our pilgrims. As a government, this is now a key priority for us. I therefore enjoin you to ensure that adequate medical provisions and other welfare requirements are afforded our pilgrims,” he added.
The President commmended the new management for reducing hajj fares by about 15 per cent.
“I am pleased to hear of the progress you have made thus far, especially in reducing Hajj fares by up to 15 per cent. I am also impressed that you are still working to further bring down the cost next year.
“This is commendable now, especially with the recent global events that have impacted on the economy. Such savings will be timely and most welcome to the pilgrims as well as to Nigeria’s economy.”
President Buhari cautioned them against sacrificing quality for safety and comfort of pilgrims.
“However, as you assess and reduce these costs, you must ensure that quality service and comfort are provided for our pilgrims as these are the core mandates of your Commission and must remain your primary goal.”
Zikrullahi made this request today, March 20 when he led the new management of Commission to the presidential villa, Abuja to brief President Muhammadu Buhari on the preparation for the 2020 hajj operations.
Zikrullah Kunle Hassan told the President of the efforts of the commission to make life better for Nigerians on pilgrimage, saying that the Saudi government had given some concessions to Nigerians, especially in the way of accommodation and tents.
He assured the President of even better deals next year when his Board fully takes over negotiations.
NAHCON boss appealed to the President to constitute the Board of Trustees of the Hajj Savings Scheme to make it easier for pilgrims to perform their religious obligation.
He said that he is currently in discussions with the Federal Ministry of Health on the Covid-19 pandemic as the Commission aligns itself with government positions in tackling the scourge.
This was even as President Buhari emphasized the need for the Commission to work to guarantee the safety and security of the pilgrims at all times.
“I am pleased that you are working with the Ministry of Health on protecting our citizens from Covid-19 virus.”
“You must work to guarantee the safety and security of our pilgrims. As a government, this is now a key priority for us. I therefore enjoin you to ensure that adequate medical provisions and other welfare requirements are afforded our pilgrims,” he added.
The President commmended the new management for reducing hajj fares by about 15 per cent.
“I am pleased to hear of the progress you have made thus far, especially in reducing Hajj fares by up to 15 per cent. I am also impressed that you are still working to further bring down the cost next year.
“This is commendable now, especially with the recent global events that have impacted on the economy. Such savings will be timely and most welcome to the pilgrims as well as to Nigeria’s economy.”
President Buhari cautioned them against sacrificing quality for safety and comfort of pilgrims.
“However, as you assess and reduce these costs, you must ensure that quality service and comfort are provided for our pilgrims as these are the core mandates of your Commission and must remain your primary goal.”
