CSO lauds Nigerian airlines, says 50,000 hajj pilgrims transported to Saudi Arabia ‘without pay’

Independent Hajj Reporters (IHR), a civil society organisation (CSO), has commended domestic airlines for transporting hajj pilgrims to Saudi Arabia despite non-payment.

Ibrahim Muhammed, national coordinator of the CSO, in a statement on Saturday, said the airlines have shown “exemplary patriotism” by their action.

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) selected Max Air, Azman Air, Value Jet, Aero Contractors, Arik Air, Air Peace, and Flynas as airlines to transport pilgrims to Saudi Arabia for hajj.

After a slight disagreement, the commission, on  May 10, 2023, sealed a deal with the airlines for the transportation of pilgrims to Saudi Arabia.

One of the conditions of the agreement was that the hajj fare would be increased by $250 — an additional cost that NAHCON later said it was planning to offset for the worshippers.

In a statement on Saturday, Mohammed said based on the agreement reached with the airlines, NAHCON was expected to pay 50 percent to the airlines ahead of the commencement of transporting the intending pilgrims to Saudi Arabia.

“We are aware that after receiving all deposits from across the states, FCT, and the armed forces, NAHCON had gone ahead to deposit these monies into its accounts at the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN),” the statement reads.

“The normal practice is for the apex bank to provide the dollar equivalent of monies deposited based on the approved official rates for disbursement by NAHCON to meet its obligations.

“However, we are sad to note that in spite of repeated appeals, the CBN could not provide the needed foreign exchange equivalent not just before the commencement of airlift on May 25, but almost three weeks after.

“It is, however, gratifying to note that after receiving assurances of payment whenever the USD is made available, the airlines have gone ahead to not just offer full services, but are so far doing a wonderful job.

“Over 50,000 pilgrims have so far been airlifted to Saudi Arabia by the airlines who are yet to get the needed funds from Nigerian authorities. This is most commendable and patriotic.

“We urge all concerned to ensure everything that is needed to be done ahead of the second leg of the airlift that is expected to begin immediately after the hajj rites, is done.”