Hajj Airlifting: Much is expected From Us- Arabi

By Abdulfattah Abdussalam

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria has put pen to paper, as it signed contractual agreements with the Air carriers the government of Nigeria approved to fly Nigerians to the forthcoming Hajj in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

In the presence of dignitaries and stakeholders present, the agreements were signed with AIR PEACE, MAX AIR and FLYNAS, a Saudi Arabia-based airline.  The signing is another stride in NAHCON’s preparation towards Nigeria’s participation in the 1445 A H pilgrimage and a crucial step towards a successful Hajj operation. Airlifting of the guests of Allah to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, before the closure of the landing Airports by the Hajj Authorities of Saudi Arabia is what propelled the signing.

Speaking at the occasion, Malam Jalal Ahmad Arabi, OON, the Chairman of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), emphasized the importance of the services the Air Carriers are meant to provide for the Commission, the pilgrims and Nigeria as a country. He reminded the representatives of the Airlines that they are major stakeholders, and partners in progress, and should note that much is expected jointly from all the stakeholders, including The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria-NAHCON, being the Regulatory body.

He appealed to the airlines to ensure they meet all standards, which guide their operations, ensure the security and safety of pilgrims, alive to their responsibilities and respect Aviation Bilateral agreements between Nigeria and Saudi Arabia government.

‘We’ve come a long way because this is not your first time in participating in this onerous responsibility, but just to say that the expectations are still there for a successful outing. You did it in the past; nothing should stop you from doing it again. But I think the icing on the cake would be if we can have a successful outing, and I very much know that we won’t fail’.

The agreements were signed in the presence of other Board members of the Commission, the Secretary to the Commission some Management members of the Commission, Malam Abubakar Evuti the Director, of FCT, Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, who represented the Chairman of the Forum of state pilgrims boards, the representative of the DG Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, representatives of sister agencies in hajj operations, staff few members, staff members of the Airlines and other stakeholders.

Success or otherwise of Hajj operations is centred on five key areas: intention and actual payment of fares by pilgrims, processing and procurement of valid visas, provision of suitable accommodations for the pilgrims, provision of local transportation and feeding for the pilgrims and the ultimate one, the airlifting of pilgrims to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for pilgrimage.

Perhaps this explains why the chairman concluded his remarks urging the Airlines not to put NAHCON to shame, up their games to prove their mettle and work for humanity during the operation.

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