Hajj 2023: CSO commends seven air carriers for successfully lifting pilgrims

Independent Hajj Reporters (IHR), a civil society organization comprised of Nigerian journalists who monitor and report on activities in the Hajj and Umrah industry, has commended the “Exemplary Patriotism” and full cooperation shown by the airlines selected by the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) for this year’s pilgrimage.

NAHCON had chosen seven airlines, including Max Air, Azman, Air Peace, Aero Contractors, Ari Air, Value Jet, and Saudi-based Flynas, for the airlift operations of Hajj 2023.

The payments to these airlines for the airlift exercise were agreed upon in United States Dollars, as is customary for international travel. However, at the start of the exercise, they had not yet received the necessary funds.

In a statement released on Saturday, IHR, signed by its National Coordinator, Ibrahim Mohammed, expressed awareness that, according to the agreement with the airlines, NAHCON was expected to pay at least 50% of the total amount due to them before the commencement of the airlift of intending pilgrims.

“We are aware that after receiving all deposits from across the states, FCT, and the armed forces, NAHCON proceeded to deposit these funds into its accounts at the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

“The normal practice is for the apex bank to provide the dollar equivalent of the deposited funds based on the approved official rates for disbursement by NAHCON to meet its obligations.

“However, we are saddened to note that despite repeated appeals, the CBN could not provide the required foreign exchange equivalent not only before the commencement of airlift on May 25 but even almost three weeks after.

“Nevertheless, it is gratifying to note that, despite not receiving the necessary funds from Nigerian authorities, the airlines have continued to offer full services and have done a wonderful job so far. Over 50,000 pilgrims have been airlifted to Saudi Arabia by these airlines, which is commendable and patriotic,” the statement reads.

IHR also acknowledges that, as a result of relentless efforts by various stakeholders and the recent change of leadership at the CBN, the necessary authorization has been received, and NAHCON is poised to receive the due amounts for disbursement.

“We urge all concerned parties to ensure that everything needed ahead of the second leg of the airlift, which is expected to commence immediately after the Hajj rites, is taken care of,” IHR concluded.

YOU SHOULD NOT MISS THESE HEADLINES FROM NIGERIAN TRIBUNE

WEEK BRIEF: Emefiele’s suspension, arrest and Nigeria Air’s revelations top news

The story of the suspension of the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Godwin Emefiele by President Bola Tinubu broke the internet on…

95% of Nigerian male celebrities, including myself, ‘do both men and women’ — Actor Uche Maduagwu

Controversial Nollywood actor Uche Maduagwu has claimed that no fewer than 95% of both married and single celebrities, including…

Real Reason Tinubu suspended Emefiele — FG

President Bola Tinubu, on Friday, ordered immediate suspension of Mr Godwin Emefiele as…

10 points from President Tinubu’s Democracy Day broadcast

In commemoration of this year’s Democracy Day celebration, President Bola Tinubu made his…

[PHOTOS] Hilda Baci: Lady begins 120 hours cook-a-thon to break Guinness Records

DURING his inauguration speech, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu announced that the era of…

SERIE A: Victor Osimhen becomes first African to win Capocannoniere award

A chef identified as Damilola Adeparusi has begun a 120-hour cooking marathon in Oye Local Government Area in…