THE Federal Government of Nigeria has commended the Saudi’s authorities over compensation of Nigerians who died in 2015 during the annual pilgrim where five Nigerians lost their lives and two sustained injuries.
The compensations were in two grades: Family of those who diedwere given one million Saudi riyal, while those who sustained injuries were given half a million Saudi riyal.
Ambassador of Saudi Arabia to Nigeria, Faisal Al-Ghamdi handed over the cheques to five representatives of those who lost their lives and the two Nigerians who sustained injuries on behalf of the Saudi government.
The Director, Consular and Legal Department, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bolaji Akinremi, led the Nigerian delegation in the company of the chairman/CEO, National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Zikrullah Hassan to the Embassy of Saudi Arabia embassy in Abuja.
The Saudi Ambassador, who spoke in Arabic, prayed for the souls of the departed while asking God to continue to console their families.
Bolaji commended the Saudi government and appreciated them for the gesture and the hand of fellowship extended to the families of the affected Nigeria.
In his words: “on behalf of the Nigerian government we want to commend the Saudi authorities, particularly the Ambassador here who, during his tenure and within one year of arrival here he took this up. I remember several meetings we held together in Foreign Affairs, with the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Geoffrey Onyeama, His Excellency Zubairu Dada, and His Excellency Tanimu Aduda when brought this to their attention that this is pending.”
On his part, the Chairman/CEO of NAHCON, Zikrullah Hassan disclosed that seven people were compensated, five representatives of the dead and two who suffered injuries.
It was reported that in September 24, 2015, during the annual Muslim pilgrimage an accident occurred near the holy city of Mecca, in Saudi Arabia, that stands as the deadliest in the long history of hajj disasters.
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“Absolutely, When we came with the Buhari government in 2015 I became the minister. We were committed to a roadmap to establish a National Carrier, to concession the airports, to set up a leasing company, to establish cargo facilities and we have been doing that.”
On why the Buhari government wanted a national carrier, the minister responded: “Nigeria is situated at the centre of Africa, equidistant from all locations in Africa. 30.4 million square kilometres miles, 1.5 billion people, very green land. If Central and Eastern Africa is the belt of the continent, then Nigeria is the buckle. 200 million people and rising middle class, propensity to fly is high. Nigeria is a candidate for National Carrier.”
Sirika who insisted that the coming national carrier will be private sector driven added; “Private. Yes. 5 per cent government and no government stepping right in that company, no government control, no membership of government on board. Totally private and committed.
“Whatever we say we will do as a government since 2015, it has happened. that is why Tim Clark of Emirates, Qatar Airways and all of them are looking to go into Nigeria in multiple frequencies and multiple landing points because Nigeria is the right place for the airline business.
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