NAHCON Chairman, Professor Abdullah Saleh Usman (in Blue attire) with other Nigerian delegation members holding discussion with officials of one of Saudi-based service providers. Photo: Courtesy, NAHCON
As part of preparations for this year’s Hajj operations, critical stakeholders in Nigeria’s Hajj industry, on Tuesday, toured offices of Saudi Arabia-based service providers in both Makkah and Jeddah to be guided in choosing the best providers for Nigerian pilgrims going for the 2025 Hajj.
According to NAHCON Deputy Director, Information and Publications, Fatima Sanda Usara, the stakeholders, who are currently in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia were on an official visit as part of preparations for the 2025 Hajj, were led on the tours by the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer (CEO), National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Professor Abdullahi Saleh Usman.
She informed that Prof Usman was in company with NAHCON commissioners, selected board members, directors and deputy directors along with State Muslim Pilgrims’ Welfare Boards, represented by Malam Idris Ahmed Almakura, Alhaji Faruku Yaro Enabo and Alhaji Abubakar Salihu and some selected number of state executive members.
Usara stated in an update on the delegation’s official visit to Saudi Arabia that Usman led others to visit the Ithra al Juud/Ithra al Diyafah Holdings; Mashariqil Almasia and Mashariqil Zahabiyya for consultations.
“The visits, aimed at selecting quality service providers for Nigerian pilgrims, involved discussions that will facilitate the assessment of the companies’ catering management, accommodation management, and transportation arrangements.
“Their usual arrangements for the Masha’ir (i.e Mina, Arafat and Muzdalifah) were discussed.
“The delegation sought to know whether the service providers have any experience serving African countries in any capacity, particularly Nigerians.
“Questions were also asked on standards, capacity, manpower, especially under catering, how they plan to meet the culinary tastes of Nigerians taking into cognisance that the country is culturally diverse, how they plan to meet the needs of Nigerian pilgrims especially since the majority may be experiencing an international trip for the first time,” Usara stated.
She added that during the inspection, the team sampled options offered by potential vendors, focusing on general hospitality and comfort, language barrier challenges, perennial inadequacy of toilet facilities in Mina and overall comfort of pilgrims.
According to her, particular attention was given to arrangements that would ensure smooth movement of pilgrims between Makkah, Madinah and other religious sites in comfortable states.
She stated that the Forum of State Muslim Pilgrims’ Welfare Boards contributed immensely in the discussions and expressed their desire for enhancement of the overall Hajj experience of Nigerian pilgrims.
Usara informed that NAHCON had on Sunday, January 12 met with Executive Secretaries of State Muslim Pilgrims’ Welfare Boards where they resolved to work together in the best interest of the pilgrims, adding that the joint tour was a fallout of the meeting.
She added that further assessments and consultations are expected to continue today, with the team promising to engage only providers ready to offer services to Nigerians at affordable prices without compromising contractual agreements.
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