A delegation from the Nigerian National Hajj Commission (NAHCON) has arrived in Saudi Arabia to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), a pre-agreement document outlining the rules for the Hajj in 2023.
Mousa Ubandawaki, the commission's assistant director of information and publications, revealed it in a statement on Sunday in Abuja.
He clarified that in addition to Amb. Zubair Dada, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Sen. Adamu Bulkachuwa, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs, and Abubakar Nalaraba, Chairman of the House Committee on Pilgrimage, were also part of the group.
Others, he claimed, included Zikrullah Hassan, chairman and CEO of NAHCON, a few commission board members, stakeholders, and personnel.
According to Ubandawaki, the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding would mark the start of practical preparations for the Hajj in 2023.
He claimed that the commission was doing all possible to make the 2023 Hajj operation a success.
He claimed that the commission was bringing along all the stakeholders for collaboration and efficient service delivery in an effort to guarantee the entire success of the Hajj operation in 2023.
”The commission is appealing to all stakeholders and the general public for cooperation, useful advice and objective criticism that will aid in achieving more successful hajj operation.”
He said the itinerary of the NAHCON team in Saudi Arabia during the visit included attending an exhibition on Hajj and Umrah and meeting with the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA).
”Also, the team will hold a series of meetings with Mutawif Company for Africa Non-Arab Countries, Adillah Establishment in Madinah, Deputy Minister of Hajj for Umrah and Ziyarah, Madinah and the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah (Pilgrims’ E-track system Department.
”Similarly, the team will meet with General Cars Syndicate, the United Agents Office, the Islamic Development Bank, the Executives of the State Pilgrims Welfare Boards, Agencies, Commissions, the representatives of the Association of Hajj and Umrah Operators of Nigeria and others. (NAN)