NAHCON on the path to self-sustenance.
By Fatih Lawal-Garu.
The CEO/Chairman Of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) Mallam Jalal Ahmad Arabi has expressed his thanks to the Presidency for the confidence reposed in him by the administration.
This was disclosed yesterday May 15 2024 at the farewell ceremony for Nigerian pilgrims going for the 2024 Hajj exercise in Saudi Arabia. This ceremony preceded the inaugural flight for pilgrims at the Sultan Ahmadu Bello International Airport Birnin-Kebbi.
While addressing pilgrims and the general public, the NAHCON Chairman praised the efforts of the fifth NAHCON council for combating challenges faced by the administration for the upcoming Hajj exercise.
Challenges encountered include the the forex exchange brouhaha which led to the reduction of the PTA from $800 to $500. Measures were also taken to reduce the length of stay in Madīnah from 8 days to 5 days without compromising luxurious accommodation standards.
NAHCON can boast of being independent of government funding since 2016. And it has boasted the country’s GDP through empowerment of local airlines and stimulated the employment of Nigerian caterers to serve the needs of pilgrims. It has also stipulated that Saudi service providers must include Nigerians among their labour force to enhance communication with pilgrims.
He also promised to explore more wealth-generating ventures that will contribute to the commission’s IGR and boost the National Economy.
He therefore called on pilgrims to avoid distractions and stay away from all activities that will dent their image. He also advised them to follow all the regulations laid by their host country.
“NAHCON has made the necessary arrangements for your comfort, so do not hesitate to contact any of our officials for assistance.” He said.
In the same vein, Nigeria’s inaugural flight to Hajj 2024 by FlyNas airlines carrying 422 pilgrims from Kebbi State and 7 officials left the Sultan Ahmadu Bello International Airport Birnin-Kebbi yesterday at 5:44PM and landed safely at Prince Mohammad bin Abdul Aziz Airport Madīnah at 11:43PM.
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