Begin arrangements for 2024 now, Independent Hajj Reporters asks NAHCON, states

THE Independent Hajj Reporters (IHR), an organisation that monitors and reports Hajj and Umrah activities, has called on the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) and states’ Muslim pilgrims boards to quickly begin the registration of intending pilgrims for Hajj 2024.

IHR, in a statement in Abuja signed by its National Coordinator, Ibrahim Mohammed, said the call became necessary due to the change in the calendar of Hajj activities by the Saudi Arabian Ministry of Hajj and Umrah following the conclusion of Hajj 2023.

According to the calendar, the kingdom expects all Hajj-participating countries to conclude all arrangements for the next Hajj, including visas, by March 2024, the group said.

“The implication of this is that all Hajj-participating countries will have to register pilgrims, collect payments and sign agreements with service providers before that date.

“The reality of 2024 Hajj preparations does not give room for delay, especially in Nigeria where the system operates a one-year Hajj plan – an extremely compacted activity that has caused so much confusion in the quest to create an enduring standard Hajj operating environment.

“The era of countries taking their time to conclude all plans often till the last minute is over.

“Competent authorities, especially NAHCON), should immediately order states to commence the registration of pilgrims and give suitable deadlines working with the country’s 95,000 slots

“It is our belief that failure to do this will end up causing unnecessary confusion and creating panic in the system ahead of 2024 Hajj,” IHR said

The organisation also said many top Hajj-participating countries such as Pakistan, Kuwait, Qatar, Indonesia and Bangladesh have begun registering pilgrims.

It said: “The latest change of calendar is good for all countries because they will have at least three months to conclude all logistic arrangements because the exact number of pilgrims for the annual pilgrimage is known.

“NAHCON, states and private tour operators now have an opportunity to finalise accommodation and flight arrangements ahead of time. Even bed and tent slots can be allocated ahead of arrival in Saudi Arabia, thereby, solving the problem encountered this year.”