CSO asks NAHCON to address challenges of poor services during 2023 hajj

The Independent Hajj Reporters (IHR), a civil society organisation monitoring hajj and umrah activities, says there is a need to review and address problems of poor services experienced during the last hajj in Saudi Arabia.

In a statement on Tuesday, Ibrahim Muhammad, national coordinator of the organisation, said reviewing the challenges will help the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) and other stakeholders prepare for improved services.

“We acknowledge the efforts and support jointly extended to the cause of the 2023 hajj exercise by the Nigerian hajj stakeholders, especially the apex hajj regulatory body – the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), states Muslim pilgrims boards and agencies, appointed hajj carriers, security agencies, para-military establishments, NGOs and volunteers, in making 2023 hajj a relative success,” the statement reads.

“We equally commend the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for its commitment towards the welfare of guests of Al Rahman.

“Transporting about 95,000 Nigerians to another country and returning them safely is not easy. At the same time, housing over 2.5 million pilgrims from 163 hajj participating countries for over a period of two months in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is an extraordinary achievement.

“In the same vein, airlifting 72,189 pilgrims from a single airport in 28 days by five hajj carriers is a great effort and we commend all those involved in this feat.

“IHR advised that the challenges of poor services experienced in 2023 hajj must be reviewed and addressed to avoid similar unfair experiences.

“The only way to avoid the challenges encountered, particularly in Mashaer, is to quickly and logically begin preparations for the 2024 hajj in line with the newly released calendar of events by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

“Sentiments and self-interest should take a back seat in the planning of 2024 hajj.”

TheCable had earlier reported that NAHCON constituted an eight-man committee to investigate poor services rendered to Nigerian pilgrims during the 2023 hajj exercise in Makkah, Saudi Arabia