PRESS RELEASE

Communiqué issued at the end of the Train – the- Trainers (T.O.T) Workshop for Hajj Awareness on Women’s Issues held at FOMWAN National Headquarters, Utako, Abuja from 17^th – 21^st May, 2010

Participants were drawn from all the six zones of the Federation. The workshop was declared open by the Chairman, National Hajj Commission of Nigeria who was represented by Alhaji Liad Tella.

· To validate participants’ knowledge of Hajj operation and performance of rites.

· To deliberate on critical logistic issues that hamper performance of Hajj in Nigeria with particular reference to women.

· To commit participants to replicate such T.O.T at State and LGA levels throughout the country.

· To come out with a practical manual as to how to achieve Hajj mabrur by female pilgrims.

The House commends the NATIONAL HAJJ COMMISSION (NAHCON) on the improvement in the general operations of hajj and particularly the provision of wide- bodied aircraft and encourages the Commission to continue in its efforts at quality service delivery to all pilgrims. Furthermore, the House commends the effort of the Commission for setting up of the Committee on Women’s issues under the Chairmanship of Alhaja Lateefah M. Okunnu (Former Deputy Governor of Lagos State) and it hopes that it will encourage the States to promote fair representation of women in State Boards and Committees in order to address special needs of women pilgrims.

· The House recommends the need for sustained mass enlightenment on the tenets of Islam with particular emphasis on Hajj Rites

· The House resolved that effort at enlightenment should be promoted through sermons, workshops, group meetings, cinematography and practical demonstrations.

· The House also resolved that the enlightenment program on character development should be predicated on the injunction of Allah in the Qur’an which says “……. let there be no obscenity, nor wickedness nor arguing in the pilgrimage……. ” : Baqara 197.

· The House observed that all relevant authorities concerned with the provision of health care before, during and after hajj must ensure that adequate arrangements are made for all pilgrims.

· Islam requires intending pilgrims to be physically fit for the rigors of hajj; taking into consideration the number of premature births, miscarriages and complications occurring among pregnant women, the House unanimously agreed that such women must defer hajj until after child birth.

· The House recommends the up- grading of all facilities in the departure zones in the country to ensure the mental and physical wellbeing of intending pilgrims before departure.

· The House noted with concern the challenges posted by luggage as it effect women and resolved to give it prominence in all its orientation and training program.

· While thanking the Commission for the opportunity given all the participants to serve at the workshop, the House hopes that all recommendations arising from this workshop be given the attention it deserves.

The House extends its heartfelt condolence to all Nigerians on the death of our late president, Alhaji Umaru Musa Yaradua, may his soul rest in peace amin.

PRESS RELEASE(19/05/2010)

NAHCON COMMENDED FOR RE-BRANDING NIGERIA’S IMAGE IN SAUDI ARABIA

The Nigeria High Commissioner to Malaysia, Ambassador Peter Anegbeh has applauded the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) for redefining Hajj operations in Nigeria. The envoy gave the adulation when members of National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) technical study group on hajj saving scheme paid him a courtesy call at Nigeria House, Kuala Lumpur. The High Commissioner, said that since the inauguration of the Commissionin 2007, it has successfully rebranded Nigeria’s image in Saudi Arabia.
He added “I am very happy you choose Malaysia as a model to transform things for the better”. He advised the Commission to constructively undertake what needs to be done, so that Nigerian pilgrims would no longer suffer in the Holy Land.

Earlier the Chairman/CEO of NAHCON, Malam Muhammad Musa Bello, told the High Commissioner that the team’s visit was to get acquainted with the working of Malaysia’s world acclaimed “Tabung Hajj Saving Scheme” with the view to replicating it as a way of improving NAHCON’s performance and Hajj operation in the country. He reiterated the commitment of the Commission to deliver a hitch-free hajj operation this year.

Uba Mana
Head of Media

The Nigerian Hajj Authorities were commended for their ability to successfully conduct three consecutive Hajj operations The commendation was made by the Saudi Minister of Hajj,Dr. Fuad Bin Abdussalam al- Farsi, during a scheduled meeting with the Federal Government delegation, led by the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Alhaji Jibril Maigari. The Nigerian delegation is in Saudi Kingdom to discuss all issues as they relate to Hajj 2010 operation for Nigerian intending pilgrims.

Speaking during the meeting, the Saudi Minister of Hajj, noted the rapid improvement in Hajj operations witnessed in the last three years. The Saudi Authorities acknowledged that Nigeria as a country deserves an award for excellence in the performance of Hajj.

The Minister however told the delegation that there is still a room for improvement especially in the area of the attitudes of the pilgrims

He advised that Nigerian pilgrims should be enlightened on the importance of patience which is a cardinal principle of an acceptable Hajj. The Minister reiterated the commitment of the Saudi Government to making the performance of Hajj easy for all pilgrims worldwide.

Earlier, the head of the Nigerian delegation and who is also the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Alh Jibril Maigari expressed his confidence for the ability of Nigerian Hajj Authorities to effectively carry Hajj operation to greater heights.

The Minister pointed out that the achievements recorded in the last three consecutive years is a testimony of the efforts of Nigerian Government to tackle the problems of Hajj Operation in Nigeria .

Alhaji Jibril solicited the support of his counterpart, the Minister of Hajj in the Kingdom, in order to consolidate the achievements witnessed in the past three years, in the following areas:-

· Aviation Authorities to balance in-bound flight slots with out-bound flight slots.

· The Ministry of Hajj to support Nigerian Hajj Authorities in ensuring that only registered accommodation providers are allowed to accommodate the Nigerian pilgrims .

· The Hajj Ministry to ban street hawkers around the Nigerian tents to keep the surroundings clean and tidy , and the provision of more toilets and dust bins.

· To support the Nigerian Hajj Authorities to take control of feeding their pilgrims at Mina and Arafat, with provision of special passes to allow vehicles to bring food to Muna tents.

· Other requests made by the Minister on behalf of Nigerians included the extension of multiple visas in respect of Hajj Officials from the validity of six months granted last to one year and for each visit to last one month instead of fifteen days.

· In the area of the activities of International Pilgrims, the Nigerian delegation requested the Saudi Hajj Authorities for regular information and feedbacks to effectively regulate the Nigerian Hajj Tour Operators.

· Also at the King Abdul-Aziz International Airport , Nigerian caterers should be allowed to provide Nigerian dishes for the pilgrims.

· The Nigerian delegation likewise pleaded with the Saudi Authorities against arbitrary arrest of Nigerian Pilgrims for frivolous accusations.

· And finally the increase of Hajj seats allocated to Nigeria from 95,000 to 100,000.

The Nigerian delegation comprised of the Minister of Foreign Affairs ,Alhaji Jibril Maigari , the Nigeria Consul-General in Jeddah, Alhaji Sani Bala, the Chairman \CEO National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Mallam Mohammed Musa Bello, others included the two permanent Commissioners in the Hajj Commission in charge of Administration and Finance, Alhaji Liad Tella as well as Dr.Sheikh Saleh Okenwa, who is also in charge of Planning, Research , Statistics and Media Services.

The representatives from the Saudi end , included all the Hajj Service Providers, like the Accommodation, Transportation , the Providers of Tents at Mina & Arafat and the Airport Service providers . The end of the meeting opens up series of other meetings with these service providers.

The 2006 Act establishing the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) was enacted to fulfil the yearnings and aspirations of the Nigerian Muslim Ummah and to squarely address the ever increasing cases of hardship of our pilgrims during each Hajj exercise. This was characterized by the ad-hoc nature of Hajj arrangements in the country in the past. The glaring failure and the adverse consequences of 2005 Hajj operation which left over 11,000 intending pilgrims (who paid their fares but could not perform Hajj due to the failure of the Airlines) triggered the agitation for a permanent body to efficiently manage the affairs of Hajj in the country and avoid the recurrence of the failure of Hajj operation of 2005.

The Bill for the establishment of the Commission, which quickly passed through the legislative process, was eventually signed into law, precisely in October, 2006. The present Board members were constituted immediately and they swung into action in May, 2007.

Here, it may interest the reader to know the status of the Hajj affairs prior to the creation of the Commission. The situation was that Committees were appointed at the close time of every Hajj operation and then dissolved immediately after every operation. The Committees were faced with an acute shortage of time, whatever the arrangement put in place by the supporting staff of the defunct Directorate of Pilgrims Affairs (DPA) of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the appointed Committee would have no other alternative than to take over from there. At times, too, as the Committees had no prerogative powers to take instant decisions, they had to refer the decisions to the supervising Ministry, urgent decisions took longer time before they were implemented. These two factors seriously and adversely hindered the performance of the Committees to the expected level.

As we are aware, Hajj operation is time-bound and this requires a carefully-planned sequence of events for implementation. If for whatever reason, the time of a particular event is skipped, it would also eventually affect the other plans. For instance, the Nigerian Pilgrims are not the only pilgrims performing Hajj, it is a world wide affair, and the Hajj authorities in Nigeria have to therefore wait for Saudi Government to invite them for a meeting which would culminate into signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on the admittance of the number of pilgrims to perform Hajj every year.

Based on the number of pilgrims admitted, the central body would coordinate and organize meetings with the 36 states of the Federation and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and the Armed Forces on how best to distribute and allocate the Hajj seats to these 38 organizational units.

Another difficult area in the administration of Hajj affairs is the decision of Hajj fares. Because of the different components in the Hajj fare, it takes time before the Hajj package decision is finalized. Decisions on the airfare, accommodation in Makkah and Madina, the ever fluctuating exchange rate of the US dollar in relation to the Naira, etc, all are decisions which must be reached before the Hajj package is determined. To decide on the airfare is the most cumbersome of all Hajj decisions. Being a purely technical area, the central body and the State Pilgrims’ Welfare Boards across the country cannot alone decide the airfare. The government agencies like the Ministry of Aviation, the National Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), National Airspace Management Authority (NAMA) and the Federal Airport Authority (FAAN), these aviation experts would sit down to closely scrutinize the documents of the prospective Carriers with a laid-down procedure, sometimes it would take them two to three weeks to enable the pre-qualification of the Airlines for the airlift exercise.

Oftentimes, the Hajj authorities are left with dilemma of selecting the Air carriers as most of the bidders for the job of airlifting the pilgrims are not owners of the Aircrafts. To employ the services of foreign Airlines will be difficult as the fare offered by Nigeria is not of international standards and therefore not attractive enough for foreign Airlines. Another reason is the attitudes of our pilgrims of carrying over size and multiple luggage and the delays or failure of the pilgrims to turn out on a scheduled flight. Also some of the Airports used for Hajj lack facilities required by Foreign airlines.

Thus, the Nigerian Hajj authorities have no alternative but to carry on and manage with such indigenous Airlines. This requires close monitoring of the agreement documents entered with their business partners. Sometimes, some of the Airlines assure the screening Committee of bringing the required capacity of Aircrafts and positioning the Aircraft on the agreed date and if you ask them any documents as regards to their assurances they would produce them, but on the day of positioning the Aircrafts the story would be different. They fail to fulfil their promises not because they want to disappoint, but that the success for scouting their Aircrafts depends largely on the vagaries of market forces. Eventually, you find smaller capacity Aircraft that can carry 200 plus as against the earlier agreement of Boeing 747 of the capacity of 450 plus by that time it would be too late for Hajj authorities to cancel the contract and start all over again to engage others, considering the tedious nature of the exercise. This scenario was exactly responsible for the failure to airlift thousands of pilgrims during the 2005 Hajj operations.

Another very important area of serious concern for Hajj stakeholders over the years is the issue of pilgrims’ luggage management and administration. The pilgrims’ luggage has become a great challenge to the Hajj authorities for it is a question of attitudinal change by the pilgrims themselves.

These were some paradigms of Hajj affairs when the present Hajj Commission members came on board and without delay the members critically studied the situation and identified the grey areas that would enable them build up a formidable platform which will serve as a basic foundation for a sound management of Hajj affairs in Nigeria.

One area in which the Commission has tremendously succeeded since its inception in May, 2007 is the timely collection of Hajj remittance from State Pilgrims’ Welfare Boards. This reality manifested itself from the timely evacuation of pilgrims both during the in-bound and out-bound journeys. It is on record that, since the coming of the Commission, no date extension was sought from the Saudi Government and not a single pilgrim was left behind. At the same time, unlike before, the Commission has never asked for loan from the Federal Government to facilitate payments of service providers in the Holy Land.

The efforts of the Commission to effectively monitor the selected Air carriers immensely minimized failure of positioning aircraft. The provision of back-up Airlines by the Carriers contributed also to this success during the 2008 Hajj operation. The Commission, being fully aware of the success last year has intensified efforts to eliminate the situation of bringing smaller capacity Aircrafts during the forthcoming 2009 Hajj operation.

Also during the period under review, some premeditated measures have been put in place to checkmate the nefarious activities of the Tour Operators, who before the establishment of the Commission, used to be a nightmare for the central Hajj body. They used to collaborate with willing pilgrims to over stay in the Holy Land and go scot-free; others were abandoned and left to become vagabonds. They even used to squat and use the facilities meant for the conventional pilgrims, thereby overstretching the facilities like the accommodation and the tents in Mina, and Arafat etc. They also used to encroach on the airlines meant for conventional pilgrims which made the Commission to arrange and dedicate an airline for them. And the initiative really and relatively succeeded in the smooth airlifting of international pilgrims for the past two years.

Another area of scorecard for the Commission is the innovation on categorization of Hajj fare package into three. The method is a deliberate attempt to accommodate more pilgrims in accordance with their ability to pay the Basic Travel Allowances (BTA) and the three categories of accommodation will all depend on the ability of the State Pilgrims’ Welfare Boards and the pilgrims themselves to pay.

Furthermore, the Commission in the past two years has created desk offices in Jeddah Airport, Makkah and Madinah, specially for the welfare of international pilgrims. These offices have facilitated the movement of international pilgrims from the airport during the arrival and departure exercises. The monitoring of the pilgrims by the Commission is also reducing the consular cases the international pilgrims used to encounter in the past.

Within the two years of inception, the Commission has fostered our relationships with the Saudi Kingdom and promoted the image of Nigeria. This is clearly manifested in the increased number of pilgrims from 65,000 to 95,000 which had been the yearnings and aspirations of Nigerians for many years.

Moreover, in order to ensure that the pilgrims get value for their money, the quality of pilgrims’ accommodation has improved. This is as a result of the efforts of the Commission in ensuring the inspection of the quality of the houses secured for the accommodation of Nigerian pilgrims, in terms of their newness, the facilities on ground and the proximity to the Haram or the Prophet’s (SAW) Mosque in Madina.

Within the two years under review, the Commission was also not unmindful of the welfare of its staff. When the Commission came into being, the existing staff inherited from the defunct Directorate of Pilgrims’ Affairs was stagnated for a decade from promotions and was in limbo without any welfare scheme. That is now a thing of the past as the stagnated staff have been appropriately promoted. In addition, welfare schemes like pensions, National Health Insurance, the payment of outstanding pensions and the gratuities of the retired and deceased families have all been sorted out.

As part of the efforts of the Commission to adequately motivate its personnel to work in an ideal conducive environment so as to derive maximum productivity from them, the office corporate headquarters has moved from where it was before in Malumfashi Close to a more befitting office in the Central Business area of Abuja. At the time of this report, an elaborate renovation is in progress to give the new corporate office a new lease of life.

In the same vein, a few weeks ago, the Board Members and the Senior Management Staff of the Commission had their first retreat which gave every one a sense of belonging. Everybody was allowed to express his frank and candid opinion on the way forward for the Commission. The founding fathers of the Commission, who were actively involved in producing the Act that established the Commission, were invited to shed more light on the interpretations of some seemingly ambiguous sections of the Act, to prepare the minds of the Commission Members and Senior Management Staff for the correct implementation of the Act.

At the same time, the Commission is taking pilgrims’ education and enlightenment very seriously. The aim is to achieve attitudinal change from the pilgrims, and instill good conduct of patience and tolerance, get them imbibe the spirit of hygiene while in the Holy Land and facilitate smooth hajj operation. Eventually, all these will assist the pilgrim to attain an acceptable Hajj. As part of the efforts to realize this laudable objective, a control mechanism has been advocated to bar pilgrims from carrying multiple hand luggage to the Airport, right from the point of boarding buses in Makkah or Madinah for the Airport. The method will be experimented upon during the forthcoming 2009 Hajj operation. Finally, a Hajj manual was launched recently in Bauchi town. The Hajj manual is an all, encompassing articulation of what pilgrims should know for a proper conduct and performance of the Hajj exercise. The manual concisely explains all aspects of Hajj point by point in a bulletin form, for easy comprehension by the pilgrims. Other projects in the pipeline by the Commission include the bio-metric data bank, Hajj Savings Scheme, the provision of library ser and efforts to boost revenue base. The planning stage of feasibility study for the projects is in advanced level and the take-off is not far away.

The Commission is also very much responsive to any issue that affects the intending pilgrims. The way the Commission is handing the current outbreak of Swine-Flu in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is a clear testimony of the commitment of the Commission in this direction, as the Commission has already contacted the Federal Ministry of Health on the issue and received its assurances for the provision of adequate vaccination for the pilgrims, if the need arises.

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), wishes to inform the intending pilgrims that the Saudi Council of Ministers has passed a law that prescribes stiff penalties for persons engaged in human trafficking.

2. In an official statement released to the Commission, the Saudi Ministry of Culture and Information emphasized that the law is designed to arrest the growing in-human practice in the Kingdom and to curb disturbing incidences of organised begging and prostitution, as well as in-human treatment of migrant workers by Saudi citizens in the Kingdom. Henceforth, anybody convicted of the offence is liable to fifteen (15) years in prison and a fine of two hundred and sixty-seven thousand dollars (US$267,000).

3. The new law defines human trafficking as holding a person under control for sexual abuse, forced labour, involuntary begging, slavery or slavery-like practices and enforced organ removal for medical experimentation.

4. The statement further warned that, the law specifically prescribes punishment if the crime is committed against women, people with special needs, infants or involves the complicity of the victim’s husband or close relative.

5. This information is meant to serve as an alarm bell to a sizeable number of Nigerians who have been implicated in these practices of embarking on or sponsoring wards for the Holy Pilgrimage as a pretext for engaging in prostitution or begging for arms, thereby denting the image of the country.

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) is organizing a three-day retreat for its Board members and Senior Management Staff.

2. The retreat which is scheduled to take place in NICON LUXURY Hotel, Abuja between the 16^th and 18^th of July, 2009, is aimed at the re-appraisal of the performance of NAHCON since its inception and to strategize for 2009 Hajj exercise. The retreat would also serve as platform for re-orientation of the Senior Management Staff of the Commission for a more efficient service delivery.

3. Those expected to address the retreat's participants are experienced technocrats and top government functionaries. Alhaji Yayale Ahmad Abubakar (CFR), the Secretary to the Government of the Federation is expected to declare the retreat open.

Hajj is among the five pillars of Islam. Being the last pillar, it is not compulsory on all, but only on those who can afford it.

The Glorious Quran (3:97) says: “Pilgrimage thereto is a duty men owe to Allah – those who can afford the means”.

In fact, most Islamic practices revolve around unity and brotherhood. The prayer (Salat) for instance is in essence the coming together of the believers to worship Allah together in a mosque. Every small group of Muslims gathers five times a day for that purpose. Then this extends to weekly Friday prayers of a larger Muslim community to come together and pray.

The spirit of coming together to pray extends further to two annual Eid prayers. The first is called Eid-ul-Fitr (the festival of fast breaking). It falls on the first day of Shawwal, the tenth month of the Muslim year, following the month of Ramadan in which the Quran was revealed and which is the month of fasting.

The second is called Eid-ul-Adha (the festival of Sacrifice). It falls on the tenth day of Dhul-Hijjah, the last month of the Muslim year, following completion of the rites of Hajj/pilgrimage to Makkah.

Each Eid is a thanks-giving Day when Muslims assemble in a brotherly and joyful atmosphere to offer their gratitude to Allah for helping them to fulfill their spiritual obligations. This form of thanks-giving is not only confined to spiritual devotion and verbal expression; it goes far beyond that to manifest itself in a good social and humanitarian spirit. Muslims who have completed their fasting of Ramadan express their thanks to Allah by means of distributing alms among the poor and needy on the first day of Eid. Similarly, those who have completed the holy pilgrimage at Makkah, as well as those who are at home, offer their sacrifice by slaughtering rams and giving out alms to the poor and needy. The distribution of alms constitutes a major part of the two Eids. This Islamic form of thanks-giving is a wholesome combination of spiritual devotion and humanitarian benevolence. Each Eid is a day of peace. Once a person is at peace with Allah, he is at peace with himself and consequently with the rest of mankind.

The largest place where Muslims worship annually in this world is Ka’abah during the Hajj. Here Muslims from all over the world meet every year. Over two million people gather together in one particular place to offer prayers. The mammoth crowd could be similarly likened to the crowd in the day of judgment (reckoning) when all mankind, jinns and angels will gather in one particular place before the Almighty Allah. There, each and every individual will account for his or her actions during his or her sojourn on earth.

The origin of Ka’abah can be traced to Prophet Ibrahim (AS) who laid the foundation stone for a community in a deserted place by the order of Almighty Allah. Thereafter, he settled his wife, Hajara, (Hagar), and his son, Ismail (Ishmael). The place was arid land and without water. The thirsty child, Ismail in desperation for water rubbed his heels on the ground, suddenly and unexpectedly, water started spouting and gushing out. Allah made provision for water at that place called “ZamZam”. Slowly the place became populated and was called Bakkah or Makkah. This was the place where Prophet Ibrahim (peace be upon him) found lost signs of the first House of Allah that was built for his worship (i.e. before the earth was flooded). He rebuilt it with the help of his son, Ismael. Prophet Ibrahim (AS) fervently prayed to Allah (Q. 14:37) to make the house a “place for Humanity” and to raise from the progeny of Ismail living in the area the greatest Prophet (Muhammad PBUH) who would be mercy for all mankind.

Before the advent of Islam, there were 360 idols inside Ka’abah, each idol representing a particular Arab tribe. Annually they converged in the place to appease their gods and goddesses in form of pilgrimage. When Islam came (after the conquest of Makkah), all the idols were destroyed and the jahiliyyah pilgrimage was discarded and replaced with the Islamic Holy Pilgrimage.

The focus of the pilgrimage is Ka’abah, which was built by Prophet Ibrahim and his son, Prophet Ismail (peace be upon them) some 4,000 years ago. Today Ka’abah stands in the middle of a large courtyard of masjid al haram or the sacred mosque. Ka’abah is the first house that was built for the worship of one and only God, Allah. It is also called “Baitul-llah” (House of Allah), “al-Bait al-Ateeq” (the ancient house) and al “Bait al-Ma amoor” (inhabited House). This house and the places around it have several signs that have manifested the wonders of Allah. For instance, the courtyard of Masjid al-Haram contains besides Ka’abah, the Maqam Ibrahim (station of Ibrahim), the fountain of ZamZam, the Hateem, which is inside the Tawaf and a prayer in these areas is as good as that offered inside the Ka’abah itself. Multazam is the southern part of the wall between the door of the Ka’abah and the Black Stone. Another one is the Rukn-al-Yamani. This place lies in the northern corner of the Ka’abah which faces towards Yemen and this is why it is called Rukn-al-Yamani (Yemen’s pillar). Others include, Mataaf, the marbled open space around the Ka’abah. This is a place where the circuit of the Holy Ka’abah is performed during the pilgrimage. Masjid al-Haram is also a mosque that has a rectangular shape with rounded corners. Pilgrims also offer prayers in these mosques which can accommodate about two million people. The last but not the least is Safa and Marwa, two hillocks located to the north of Masjid al-Haram. Hajara, the wife of Prophet Ibrahim (AS), is believed to have run seven times between these two hills in desperate search of water for her child, Ismail. Pilgrims are also ordained to emulate this action of hers.

Muslims all over the world face towards Ka’abah to offer prayers. Allah the exalted says in the Holy Quran: “Surely, the first House appointed for mankind is that at Bakkah (ancient name for Makkah) abounding in blessings and a guidance for all peoples. In it are signs: it is the place of Abraham: and whosoever enters it, attains peace” (3:96-97).

Another important aspect of Hajj is the stay in the plain field of Mina for two or three days. During this period, a Pilgrim is expected to compose himself or herself to the meditation of Allah. It is a period for sober reflections. While in the second day of Mina ie on the 9^th of Dhul-Hijjah, the pilgrims would move to another field called Arafat and stay there from sunrise to sunset, afterwhich all the Pilgrims would again move to the field of Muzdalifa and spend the night of 9^th Dhul-Hijjah to the morning of 10^th Dhul-Hijjah, leading to the Ka’abah for circumambulation and sa’y.

On the same day after sa’y, pilgrims also observe the throwing of pebbles at Satan (Jamarat). The genesis of this exercise emanated from the time Allah (SAW) ordered Prophet Ibrahim (AS) in a dream to sacrifice his only son, Ismail. As the Prophet (AS) proceeded to execute the order of the Almighty, Satan appeared to him and urge him not to sacrifice his son. The Prophet casted a pebble of stone on him and also cursed him. That is where the first Jamarat was positioned, and is called Jamrat al-Aqaba.

When Prophet Ibrahim moved further, Satan again appeared to him urging him to go against the command of Allah (SWA). The Prophet again threw another pebble of stone on him and cursed him. This is where the second Jamrat still lies. He proceeded, but again Satan approached him for the third time, and the Prophet repeated the same action by casting and cursing him. And that is where the third Jamrat is situated.

Pilgrims are also enjoined to emulate the throwing of pebbles on these three points just to curse and keep away from Satan in the same way Prophet Ibrahim (AS) did when he was confronted with the Satan.

The throwing on the first day is on the first point of Jamrat called al- Aqaba with seven small pebbles, put on the second and third days, all the three Jamrat are thrown with seven pebbles on each, amounting to twenty one pebbles for each day.

Pilgrims are strongly warned to desist from observing the exercise of throwing Jamrat while carrying luggage of any size. They should also strictly follow the wave of the direction of crowd and never in the opposite direction. This exercise can be performed in proxy, that is a strong and healthy person can perform it on behalf of a weak or sick relative or friend.

During the three-day stay in Mina, the concept of unity, equality and brotherhood come to play again. All the male pilgrims put on the same white garment (Ihram) regardless of their status in the society.

The female pilgrims are also expected to dress decently in whichever dress regardless to colour. The stay in Mina, the standing at Mount Arafat and spending the rest of night at Muzdalifah are the basic essentials of Hajj performance.

The intending pilgrims are also requested to visit the Prophet’s mosque in Madina, even though the visit is not part of Hajj essentials. The visit could be either before or after Hajj, depending on the time an intending pilgrim arrives the Saudi Kingdom.

The number of days to stay in Madina is not specified. This is against the wrong notion that a pilgrim must stay in Madina for eight days.

Apart from the prayers in the Prophet’s mosque, a pilgrim could also visit some places of historic importance in Islam, such as the tombs of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) and the four rightly guided caliphs, Abubakar, Umar, Uthman and Ali (RA).

There is also the site of graveyard for mujahideen within the vicinity of the Prophet’s mosque. A pilgrim is expected to offer some prayers for the repose of their souls during the visit.

Lastly, there are the battle fields of Uhud and Badr, where the Prophet, (SAW) fought with pagans, and the graveyard of some Companions like Sayyidina Hamza, who were killed and buried in these fields.

The summit with the theme “Towards a Stress and Hitch-free Hajj” was the first summit since the formation of the Association for Hajj and Umrah Operators of Nigeria (AHUON), held on 13^th June, 2009. The Association has three zonal offices in Abuja, Lagos and Kano. The Lagos south west zone, pioneered the Summit in Lagos held at MARTINOS Hotel behind MKO Garden, Alausa Ikeja, in a quite serene atmosphere.

Participants were drawn from all segment of Hajj stakeholders which included Alhaji Abdulazeez Arisekola Alao (Aare Musulmi of Yoruba Land), other important dignitaries at the occasion were the Chief host, His Excellency the Executive governor of Lagos state, Babatunde Raji Fashola (SAN) ably represented by the Commissioner for Home Affairs, Alhaji Ibrahim Babatunde Balogun, the representative of the former Deputy Governor, Lagos state, Alhaja Lateefat Okunnu who was the Chairperson, the Chief Special Guest of Honours were His Eminence the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar and the Chairman/CEO, National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Muhammad Musa Bello who were both ably represented, His royal highness, Oba Rilwan Akiolu was the royal father of the occasion and was represented by the Lagos Chief Imam others included the representatives of the Ambassadors of Republic of Iran and Indonesia respectively. The Secretary General of the Supreme Council of Islamic Affairs was also in attendance to grace the occasion.

Needless to say, during the summit, some thought provoking papers were presented. Abdul Majeed Abdul Fatah, the (AHUOUN) zonal Chairman and Vice National President in his welcome address, set the wheel of the summit in motion.

Abdul Majeed’s welcome address enshrined the basis of the Summit which he said was to create awareness of the Association in the mind of the larger public which in turn will help the Association to get rid of quacks operating within the industry, the aim of the summit was also to let the public know the challenges facing the Association and to tap from the wealth of experience of the stakeholders towards effective and efficient service delivery.

The National Vice President threw the challenge to the Hajj stakeholders generally, he called on the Tour Operators themselves who deal directly with pilgrims in terms of all arrangement of the journey to Saudi Arabia. He advised his colleagues that as a profit making venture, they should aim at international standards service delivery for their clients.

Abdul Majeed further appealed to the pilgrims to join hands with the Association and stop patronizing any unregistered Agency outside the Association and urged intending pilgrims to always make their payments early to their chosen Agent. This according to him would go along way in facilitating the Travel Agents to finalise his/her arrangement in good time.

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) was not left behind in his commendation, the zonal chairman expressed the happiness of the Association for the cordial relationship with Hajj Commission.

He said because of the immense benefits envisaged in having such a Commission in place, the AHUON was actively involved in the process of the passing of the Act establishing the Commission.

Abdul Majeed in his welcome address also stressed that the modest achievements of the Commission within just two years of its creation is worthy of commendation and appreciated the effort of the Commission in the publications of names of registered Tour Operators in the dailies and on its websites and also the inclusion of the representatives of the Association in the delegation that visited the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for the 2009 pre- Hajj visit. He emphasized that already the Association was reaping the benefit of the visit as concrete arrangement was been made to facilitate the movement of international pilgrims in Saudi Arabia for the registered Tour Operators unlike before when the movement of international pilgrims and their officials were hampered.

However, he advocated for the Association being left alone to source for its own air carrier and accommodation for International pilgrims. He added that Tour Operators should be allowed to use the Airlines of their choice be it scheduled or chartered without any string attached to it.

He further pleaded to the Commission to expedite action in the allocation of Hajj seat just as it did in the sales of application form.

His appeal also went to the Saudi Embassy to relax its stringent conditions on the issuance of visa. He specifically appealed to the Ambassador to assist the Association by ensuring that the demand of the Embassy in making wives to bear their husband’s name or a female pilgrim to bear the name of her Muhram is jettisoned, as according to him such condition has no basis in the Quran or Sunnah. He also further appealed for the extension of visa period in respect of Tour Operators during each Hajj.

Abdul Majeed also used the occasion to appeal to the Federal Government to grant its members foreign exchange concession as with the conventional pilgrims and also the challenges for the provision of e-passports for 10,000 pilgrims under their Association’s arrangement.

His appeal also went to the Lagos State Government for the provision of piece of land to build the Association secretariat complex. He however praised Muslim Associations and the media for their ceaseless campaign and education to rid the industry of the unrecognized and quacks in their midst.

After the welcome address, the Secretary General, Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, Dr. Lateef Adegbite was requested to share his elderly wisdom with the participants. He briefly surveyed the history of Hajj operations which he said initially started with Private Hajj Operators who proved to be so inefficient and perpetrated so much atrocities which caused so much embarrassment to then Nigerian Government.

The Secretary General said the situation made the Government to intervene and salvage the situation. He further stated that for over one hundred years, the performance of Hajj in Nigeria continued to be performed poorly, until the last two years ago when the Commission was established.

He said for the Association to succeed, it must pursue three aspects seriously which were consolidation, obeying its code of conduct, and to embark on a massive public enlightenment campaigns. He charged the association to cooperate with the Hajj Commission in order to succeed fully in its endevour.

The Chairman National Hajj Commission of Nigeria, who was represented by Alhaja Fatima Oyekan, a NAHCON board member, representing South West in his good will message praised the pioneer members of the Association which started as a small group and have metamorphosed to its present status with three zonal executive councils in Lagos, Abuja and Kano. The Chairman particularly, disclosed that based on the feedback from the Saudi Embassy, the Tour Operators from the south-west zone were highly rated in terms of organization, human resources and office facilities.

The Chairman said he foresaw a brighter prospect for the industry in the nearest future with the ever increasing demands from the Muslim Ummah to fulfill their religious obligation.

He therefore urged them to surmount the challenges ahead especially in the areas of improved service-delivery, pilgrims enlightenment, heeding to code of conduct by members and assured the Association of the Commission’s support and cooperation and would always operate within the provision of the Act establishing the Commission.

The National Chief Missioner of Ansaruldeen Society of Nigeria, Sheikh Abdurrahman Ahmad also called for authorities concerned to intervene in the prevailing exploitative tendency in the acquisition of e-passport which he claimed had gone up to as much as N100,000. Sheikh Abdulrahman pointed out that the bane of pilgrims Airlifting is the wrong pricing which explained why no reputable Airline would like to participate in the airlifting of Nigerian pilgrims since the fare is not attractive enough. He concluded by advising the Travel Agents to emulate the orderly manner the Indonesian, Turkish or Malaysian officials conduct their pilgrims in group.

The Association’s national president, Alhaji Nasir Koko, highlighted the activities of the Association which included the inauguration of its executive members and a courtesy call on the National Hajj Commission Headquarters Abuja. He said there is a scheduled meeting with Central Bank of Nigeria and Hajj Commission on how to facilitate operational money transfer for the Association’s members.

Another resource person, an erudite scholar, professor Tajudeen, emphasized the need for the education of official’s and the pilgrims as a vital ingredient for a successful Hajj. He said officials must know how to manage their pilgrims’ movement and the facilities they are to use.

The Lagos state Commissioner for Home Affairs who represented Lagos state Governor in his contribution, wondered why Nigerian pilgrims should stay for more than 20 days in Saudi Arabia. He suggested that considering the number of intending pilgrims from Nigeria, the services of more Aircrafts should be employed instead of only 5 or 6, why not 20 of the Airlines and they must be wide bodied Aircraft and also the authorities concerned must make effort to secure more screening bays for quick evacuation of Nigerian pilgrims at Jeddah Airport.

The representative of Immigration Services also added impetus to the summit. He educated the participants on how to acquire e-passport which he said is not only for the purpose of traveling to Saudi Arabia but for travels all over the world. The Immigration representative hinted that the official cost for the acquisition of e-passport is N8,750.00.

The representative of Malaysian Ambassador attributed that the success of Hajj normally starts from home and the operators should bear in their minds that handling of pilgrims in the Holy land is an Amana for them to carry faithfully.

The Chief Imam of Lagos who represented the Oba of Lagos, expressed optimism that the coming of Tour Operators together under one umbrella gave rays of hope for the near future prospects of Hajj and Umrah operation in the country.

The representative of the Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Iran, advised the Association members to start the preparation of Hajj very early to provide enough time for the pilgrims to have information on all aspects of Hajj.

Another resourceful person in the industry is Dr. Badmas O. Yusuf, a Commissioner Operations in the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) and who was one of the representatives of NAHCON, commented that, the relationship between NAHCON and Tour Operators should always be cordial and should try to maintain the tempo. He advised the Tour Operators to consider the desire of their clients who he said needed first class treatment and would wish to enjoy the value of their money. Dr. Badmas, called on the registered Tour Operators to cooperate with NAHCON in order to uncover the unregistered Tour Operators from Operating Hajj and Umrah operations, especially those operators who inter transfer their pilgrims into the neighbouring countries using other country’s passports. He pointed out the implication of consular consequences it might caused in case there is any problem of death or loss.

Lastly, the Secretary General of the Association Dr. Gabadeen W. O, presented an insightful working paper on Hajj and Umrah operations. The paper significantly captured the management of Hajj operations, especially in the areas of Product Packaging, Pricing and Marketing (P.P.P.M.). It also dwelt on regulations, public enlightenment campaigns, operational skills and other support services that included Airlifting of pilgrims, operational Rivalry, meeting pilgrims’ demands and the public perception of Private Tour Operators.

Perhaps it is keen to know that, the Association came into being in June 2005 with followings main objectives among others to foster relations with regulatory government Agencies to reduce the perennial hardship of International Pilgrims, thereby promoting the image of Nigeria while in the Holy land and provides training for manpower development need. The Association of Hajj and Umrah Tour Operators at present has a number of NAHCON’S registered members over hundreds with the concentration in Lagos, Abuja and Kano respectively. The Association’s first and current National president is Alhaji Nasir M. Koko.

Finally, the report of this summit cannot be fully completed without recognizing the presence of Alhaji Liad Tella a Commissioner in the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria who is one of the ardent proponents of achieving Hajj efficiency in the country. Also the presence of A. S. Mohammed, Asst. Director Operations in the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria as well as R. O. Abdulsalam, the Hajj Commission Lagos zonal coordinator, who immensely contributed to the glamour of the summit.

THE CARDINAL PRINCIPLES OF ACCEPTABLE HAJJ (HAJJ MABRUR)(23/06/2009)

The fear of Allah is the bedrock of Faith (Iman) in the minds of Muslims. A truthful and devoted Muslim should develop the fear of Allah in all his actions. The fear of Allah serves as a mirror on which the entire life of a Muslim’s character is reflected. It is the fear of Allah that serves as the basis for a Muslim to seek for knowledge on how best to worship his Creator. The fear of Allah helps a Muslim to relate well with all his associates; it also discourages one from committing major sin (Alkabirah) and the fear of Allah nurtures a Muslim to safe-guard his Fast (Saum) faithfully to himself and his Creator.

Over the years, the attitudes of our Nigerian Pilgrim have constituted major menace to Saudi Authorities during each Hajj Operation. The Nigerian Pilgrims are known to embark on demonstrations at Saudi Airport and the places of accommodation both in Makkah and Madinah, out of impatience to come back home after completing their Hajj. Others are in the habit of overstaying after Hajj or Umrah while some falsify their travelling documents.

The general disorderliness of our pilgrim right from the shores of Nigeria and while in Saudi Arabia is nothing to write home about. For instance, the disorderliness in boarding plane, bus, the rowdy nature of our weighing centres, our eating and hygiene habits in our accommodation places, the rampant cases of pilgrim loss, deliveries of babies, in some cases miscarriages, oversize and multiple luggages at boarding points and carrying about luggages at Jamarat are all problems of serious concern noted by Hajj stakeholders and have become the bane of successful and hitch-free Hajj. These anomalies have so long been associated with Nigerian pilgrims to the extend that today any black man who perpetrates them is automatically regarded as a Nigerian.

The Hajj Stakeholders cannot alone surmount these enumerated problems without the support and cooperation of our intending pilgrims, and the cooperation of intending pilgrims can only be obtained if the pilgrims are adequately enlightened on the basic tenets of attaining an acceptable Hajj.

The salient key to attaining an acceptable Hajj is the fear of Allah and imbibing the spirit of patience and tolerance throughout the period of Hajj performance.

In order to adequately acquaint our intending pilgrims on how to achieve an acceptable Hajj, I would refer our intending pilgrims to a compiled Retreat Report on Hajj Operations, History, Philosophy and Practices, in a published book titled Letter to Intending Pilgrims, written by Mallam Abdulkareem Buba.

Dear Pilgrims, I advise you to take practical lessons from the following extract of a dialogue between a man who performed the Hajj and the celebrated and respected scholar of Islam, Imam JUNAYD-al-Baghdadi:

JUNAYD: “Did you pledge to give up sins when you set out from your home?”

JUNAYD: “Then, in fact, you did not even set for Hajj. Whilst on your journey and halting at places during the nights, did you aspire attaining nearness to Allah?”

JUNAYD: Then you did not travel to Ka’aba at all, nor did you visit it. When you put on the ‘Ihram’ garment, discarded your dress, did you make up your mind to discard you revil ways and attitudes in life as well?”

JUNAYD: “Then you did not even don the Ihram garments” When you stood in the plain of Arafat and were imploring Allah, did you have the feeling that you were standing in Divine presence and having a vision of Him”?

JUNAYD: “Then you did not visit ‘Arafat. Well, when you came to Muzdalifah, did you promise to give up vain desires of the flesh?”

JUNAYD: “You did not go to Muzdalifah at all. But tell me whether you have had glimpses of Divine Beauty when you moved around the House of Allah.

JUNAYD: “Then you did not move around the Ka’aba at all”.Then he said: “When you made the sa’y between al- safa and al-marwa, did you realize the wisdom, significance and objective of your effort?”

JUNAYD: Then you did not make the sa’y. When you slaughtered you animal at the place of sacrifice, did you as well sacrifice your selfish desire in the way of Allah?”

JUNAYD: “Then in fact, you offered no sacrifice whatsoever. When you hurled pebbles at the Jamrahs, did you resolve to cast your evil companions, friends and desire away as well?”

JUNAYD: “Then, you did not hurl pebbles at all. Go back and perform Hajj once more and give due thought and attention to all the requirements (spiritual) so that your Hajj may bear some resemblance with Prophet Ibrahim’s whose faith and sincerity has been confirmed by the Qur’an as follows:

The pilgrim whose Hajj is under review here is cited to demonstrate in practical terms the character and characteristics of those pilgrims whose Hajj are put to question on account of their ignorance of what Hajj constitutes, signifies and implies. All pilgrims must therefore learn from the above episode so that they can fulfill the Hajj rites and earn themselves abundant reward from Allah.

You can achieve this, only if you are serious and mindful of what you are about to undertake to the Holy land. It is necessary for you at this crucial and critical moment of your spiritual mission to try and renew, refine, and strengthen your faith (iman) imbibe and cultivate good and moral intention and habit, as well as sensitize and empower yourself to acquire both in theory and practice, adequate knowledge of the Hajj you are dearly cherishing to perform. You can go further to know its concept, deeds and philosophy if you want to fully appreciate its position in Islam.

The dialogue above tries to remind the Muslim and indeed, the pilgrims, to know that the rites of Hajj should not be seen as a mere routine physical mobility of people. It is rather an “Ibadat”, that is Divine worship that must be carried out in accordance with the rules and standard set out by Allah, guided and exemplified by Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W).

All the various acts embodied in the pilgrimage (rituals) are rehearsal for real Jihad and worship. The rites/acts signify a definite movement towards the attainment of spiritual excellence. As the pilgrim undertakes the Hajj, he or she is set to acquire at the conclusion of the rites, certain degrees of Divine salvation, perfection, values, power, freedom, knowledge, brotherhood, as well as, beauty and goodness. All these rites culminate in what Dr. Ali Shariat, a renown Muslim philosopher, described as “one’s return to Allah”.

In the same perspective, Imam Abu Hamid al-Ghazali also states with comparison that “If Sallat is a personal communion with Allah, the Zakat, a thanksgiving to Allah, Fasting (Sawm), a turning against human desires, then Hajj is the seal of all that is commanded to mankind, the perfection and the completion of Islam.” As Pilgrims, you must act and conduct yourselves within the Islamic code of conduct, belief, ethics and practices. You must avoid acts that will vitiate your Hajj or negate the principles of Islam. We pray that Allah will grant you the will and courage to surrender, dedicate and commit yourselves to the service of Allah as you arrive the Holy Land for the Hajj. You must always remember that you are not going to Makkah and Madinah to participate in Trade Fair or as tourists but as true servants of Allah.

Dear Pilgrims, may I also admonish you to be honest and sincere in your intention and remain steadfast and committed to the cause of Allah as you set out for the House of Allah in Makkah. It is your genuine intention and good acts before, during and after the Hajj that will earn you the reward of an acceptable Hajj and qualify you as a real sinless guest of Allah. You are above all, expected to have obtained basic and fundamental knowledge and effective education on the rites of Hajj and Islam in general.

You should know and note that Islam does not condone act of ignorance and illiteracy. It therefore follows that deed performed or done out of these factors is not acceptable to Allah. That is why Islam encourages every Muslim to learn read, and write as either a teacher or a student. You must be properly rooted in the art and science of worship i.e. (Ibadat).

I may be right to observe that many pilgrims perform the Hajj with scanty or no knowledge of the rites of Ibadat. You have no moral ground or excuse to remain illiterate or ignorant of your religion. It is good to appreciate the fact that modernization and civilization of our contemporary world has made the acquisition of knowledge very easy and accessible. You must therefore endeavour to utilize the optional means provided within your reach to fight against ignorance and understand your religion better. If you are among the lucky pilgrims intending to go for Hajj this year or have gone the previous years, please find appropriately where you fall into from the following groups and grade yourself accordingly:

i) Pilgrims who have sincere intention of performing the Hajj and have sound education and knowledge on Islam and the rites of Hajj.

ii) Pilgrims who have the sincerity of intention (niyya) of performing the Hajj but are ignorant of Islam and the rites of Hajj:

iii) Pilgrims who have sound knowledge of Islam and the rites of Hajj but have no sincerity of intention of performing the Hajj i.e. those with different motives other than the desire to perform the Hajj.

iv) Those pilgrims who have no sincerity of intention of performing the Hajj and are also ignorant of Islam and the rites of Hajj.

Dear Pilgrims, you should in the light of these classifications try as much as possible to belong to the group of those pilgrims who are honest, disciplined and committed and are sincere in their intention (niyya) and have sound education and knowledge of Islam and the rites of Hajj. For it is only when you are able to satisfy these conditions that your Hajj can be acceptable and earn you the required reward from Allah. This position is very clear in the Holy Quran Chapter 2 Verse 197 where Allah says “If anyone undertakes that duty therein, let there be no obscenity nor wickedness nor wrangling in Hajj.

I believe that pilgrims may be keen to know what is right and decent conduct and its implication in this context. It means a moral conduct that is induced and driven by the fear of Allah i.e. (al-Taqwa). It therefore implies that whoever observes and maintains high moral conduct throughout the period of Hajj, shall have his/her Hajj accepted by Allah and shall return to his/her family sinless according to the Hadith of the Holy Prophet (S.A.W.)

Please remember that Abu Huraiyrah has reported the Prophet as saying: “Verily there shall be no reward for a righteous Hajj except paradise (Jannat)” The Prophet was further reported to have said: “Whoever performs the pilgrimage for the sake of pleasing Allah and therein utters no word of evil, nor commits any evil deed, shall return from it as free from sins as the day his mother gave birth to him”.

I wish therefore to advise my brothers and sisters who are performing the Hajj for the first time, to learn a lesson from this Hadith and endeavour to comply with its principles.

Dear Pilgrims, I admonish you to be true believers and servants of Allah as you embark on the Hajj. You are also advised to be of good behaviour as the best provision in Hajj is decent conduct and the fear of Allah. You must above all, have sincerity of intention, which is acceptable to Allah. In the same vein, you must continue to exert effort to excel in the knowledge of Islam and the rites of Hajj. Remember that most pilgrims lose the reward of their Hajj on account of their abuse of these principles.

It is against this backdrop that I want to draw your attention to the following Hadith of the Prophet (S.A.W.), which seeks to warn you to desist from abusing the institution of Hajj. The Holy Prophet was reported to have said:

“When the time draws near, people would go to Hajj in four different groups: their rulers will go for excursion, their wealthy people will go for commerce, their poor for begging and their Quran reciters (scholars) for fame”

Be informed that as, actions are judged by intentions so are your motives in undertaking the Hajj Trip to the Holy Land. What makes the difference between the leaders and their subjects, the Ulama and their disciples, the literate and the illiterate, as well as, the rich and the poor is the degree of their piety. You must have as your primary goal and objective, the honest intention to perform the Hajj. Any other legitimate attraction that may follow after the completion of Hajj rites such as commerce, visitation etc should be secondary and pilgrims are allowed to engage in it.

I urge you all to please reflect on the consequence of the aforementioned Hadith of the Prophet (S.A.W.) so that you can remain guided throughout the period of the Hajj exercise.

Having been acquainted with a long letter containing useful pieces of advice by the author Letter to Intending Pilgrims, I would like to adduce by advising that for elaborate details on how to achieve Hajj Mabrur,, an intending pilgrim should visit his State Pilgrims’ Welfare Board and NAHCON zonal offices or the Headquarters of National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) for enlightenment hand book or Hajji Manual on the performance and the proper conduct of Hajj. This is necessary because ignorance on the one hand is impedes the attainment of acceptable Hajj and on the other hand constitutes a major setback in achieving a hitch-free Hajj.

It therefore becomes pertinent to enjoin our intending pilgrims to bear in the back of their minds that the success of Hajj Operation depends largely on their cooperation and support. It is thus to crown up our call to the intending pilgrims by reminding them of the verse in the Holy Qur’an which says “Verily, never will Allah change the condition of a people until they change it themselves (with their souls and actions)” Qur’an, 13 Verse 11.

In view of this, the intending pilgrims are once more admonished to follow the teachings of the Holy Qur’an and the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) to change for better the condition of Hajj Operations in Nigeria and for the mutual benefit of both the intending pilgrims and the Hajj Operators.

2009 Intending Pilgrims to Present Medical Certificate(s) While Applying for Hajj/Umrah Visas

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), hereby informs Nigeria’s numerous intending pilgrims that part of the conditions for obtaining Hajj/Umrah visas this year is the presentation of evidence of vaccination against yellow fever, seasonal influenza virus and meningococcal meningitis. This information was communicated to the Commission by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia recently.

In the case of yellow fever and meningitis, the exercise should be concluded at least ten days prior to their arrival to the kingdom, and the certificate of vaccination should not exceed ten and three years respectively from its date of issuance. Adults and children should be vaccinated with meningitis dose of quadruple vaccine ACYW 135.

Additionally, intending pilgrims from the African Belt, may at the point of entry, be given precautionary dose for the purpose of reducing the chances of contractive microbe among them. In a situation where a disease is noticed among pilgrims from a particular country, the Saudi authorities in collaboration with the World Health Organisation, reserves the right to take appropriate private measures to avoid spread of the disease.

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) hereby informs Nigeria’s numerous intending pilgrims for 2009 Hajj that, the Immigration offices in the various States’ Commands are facilitating the acquisition of e-passports for them.

In this direction, the intending pilgrims, especially the women, are strongly advised to go for snapping of passports in accordance with Islamic injunction of covering their al-awrah.

This is against the insinuation by some mischievous elements in the society that women must expose their hair before they can be snapped for passport photographs.

The Commission, therefore, appeals that any case of woman intending pilgrim being asked to expose her hair before being snapped should be reported to the State Pilgrims’ Welfare Boards, the NAHCON zonal offices or NAHCON headquarters, Abuja.

It may be pertinent to remind the general public that the newly-introduced e-passport is a global issue, and not peculiar to Nigeria.

The policy was also formulated in the interest of pilgrims for security and operational purposes.

Uba Mana
Head of Media

The Chairman, National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Mallam Muhammad Musa Bello has urged Muslim Scholars across the country to assist the Commission in the training and re-orientation of intending pilgrims to the Holy land ahead of their departure to Saudi Arabia.

He made this disclosure while playing host to the Executive members of the Supreme Council for Sharia in Nigeria, who paid him a courtesy call at the Commission’s Headquarters in Abuja. He stressed the need for all stakeholders to rally around the Commission in the onerous task of organizing a hitch- free Hajj this year and in the future.

Earlier, the Vice President of Supreme Council for Sharia in Nigeria, Sheikh Abdur-Rasheed Hadiyatullahi, had emphasized the body’s readiness to partner with the Commission in enlightening intending pilgrims with a view to achieving a successful Hajj this year.

Henceforth intending pilgrims to the Royal Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for the purpose of Hajj are to use the Nigerian International Standard Passports only as their travelling documents. This disclosure was made by the Chairman, National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Mallam Muhammad Musa Bello, yesterday when he paid a courtesy call to the Comptroller-General of Immigration Service Mr. Chukura John Ude, in his office at the Organization’s Headquarters in Abuja.

The Chairman explained that the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria has just received from the Saudi Authorities a letter informing it that from the 2009 Hajj season, the issuance of Hajj visas will only be on International Passports, and not on Hajj passports as used to be the case in the past years. He added that the new policy intends to make Hajj operation hitch-free and that it applies to all countries of the world, and not just to Nigeria alone.

Mallam Muhammad Musa Bello emphasized that the new measure could go along way in curbing the menace of immigration irregularities associated with some of our intending pilgrims. He said with the new policy in place, a situation where some intending pilgrims use the passports meant for some other people will become a thing of the past.

The Chairman, then handed the immigration boss a letter from the Commission requesting the Organization formally to make arrangements immediately for the production of International Passports for use by Nigerian pilgrims in the 2009 Hajj season. Mallam Muhammad Musa Bello also used the occasion to thank the immigration service for the active role it has been playing in Hajj operation.

He also seized the opportunity to condole the Comptroller-General over the demise of his mother, which he said was an irreparable loss not only to the Immigration Service, but to the entire nation.

Responding, the Comptroller-General, Mr. Chukura John Ude, said he was excited at the new Saudi policy of using International Passports for the whole Hajj exercise. He said this is something he has been suggesting to the Federal Government for some time now. He said this policy will mark the dawn of a new era in the management of pilgrimage in our country, and will definitely help not only the National Hajj Commission of Nigerian, but even the Immigration Service to do its work well.

He assured the NAHCON Chairman and his team of his Organization’s commitment to support the Hajj Commission towards achieving a better working relationship for a common goal of eradicating all sorts of immigration irregularities perpetrated by the Hajj and Umrah Tour Operators. He said the menace constitutes an embarrassment to the country and for that reason the Government of the day is poised to tackle it in all its ramifications. The Comptroller-General used the occasion to congratulate the Commission for its tremendous improvement in the just concluded 2008 Hajj operation. He also commended the Federal Government for its initiative in establishing the Commission.

The Comptroller-General expressed his profound appreciation for the NAHCON condolence over the death of his mother.

The Chairman, NAHCON was accompanied in his visit to the Comptroller-General’s office by a team of Commissioners from the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria.

His Royal Highness, the Emir of Katsina, Alhaji (Dr.) Abdulmumini Kabir Usman, CFR, has commended the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) for a job well done on the conduct of the 2008 Hajj Operation.

In a letter of commendation to the Commission’s Chairman, the Emir prayed Allah (SWT) to continue to guide and protect the management of the Commission in the discharge of their duties and responsibilities not only to the Commission and its immediate constituency but the country in general.

A new Saudi immigration policy requiring those performing the lesser Hajj this year to undergo medical check up before being allowed into the country, has come into effect. The policy is meant to isolate cases of infectious diseases amongst the arriving pilgrims, provided on-the-spot treatment and prevent epidemic during the period.

To reduce likely anxiety among pilgrims as a result of the new policy, it is recommended that all the Tour Operators should sensitise intending Nigerian pilgrims on the new Saudi requirement with emphasis on the new Saudi requirement with emphasis on the implication for non-compliance.

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) wishes to announce that the Federal Government has approved the following service providers to handle Hajj 2008.

2. Additionally Government has approved the participation of Saudi Airlines which has indicated interest, but yet to finalised with NAHCON.

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has concluded the opening of tenders for the manufacturers of pilgrim’s suitcases and bags for 2008 Hajj.

2. Earlier, advertisement was placed in some of our national dailies for interested bidders to express their interest to participate in the production/supply of pilgrims suitcases.

3. Eleven bidders expressed their interest for the job but two of them did not appear during the opening ceremony and the screening exercise. The Chairman of the occasion and also who is the Commissioner in charge of operation in the Commission, Dr. Badmas O. Yusuf challenged the bidders to over come the perennial problems of poor standard quality of pilgrims suitcases.

4. He said the success of smooth movement of pilgrims while in the Kingdom depended largely on the good standard of pilgrims suitcases. He added that without the provision of good standard of pilgrims suitcases, the pilgrims would resort in purchasing suitcases of their own choices regardless of size, quality and zone colour code.

5. Without the regulated size, quality, and colour code, the pilgrims suitcases could not easily be identified by their destinations, the policy of 40kg for the suitcases would not be visible and if the quality is poor there is the tendency that suitcases would burst in transit and there by creating room for pilgrims’ missing luggage.

6. After the opening ceremony a sub-committee was constituted to find a better, realistic and scientific way of screening the manufacturers based on their past experience of the job, their financial capability and production capacity.

7. The committee has representatives drawn from National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), four representatives from the State Pilgrims Welfare Boards, The SGF Office, and the Special Services office both in the presidency. The Committee members have since swung into action.

8. Currently, the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria is making concerted effort to enhance Hajj Operation in all its ramifications.

The Association for Hajj and Umrah Operators of Nigeria (AHUON) has been advised to streamline the activities of Hajj & Umrah so as to improve the quality of service delivery to its customers.

The advice was given by the Chairman, National Hajj Commission, Mallam Muhammad Musa Bello in his office, during a courtesy visit paid by the Executives of the Association.

He observed that the introduction of a designated airline to cater for the pilgrims of Hajj and Umrah tour operators during Hajj 2007, was not unilateral as it was mutually agreed upon by both the Commission and representatives of the tour operators. The arrangement which was approved by the Nigerian and Saudi authorities reduced the problems that some of their members faced in the past regarding movement of their pilgrims to and from Nigeria.

Mallam Muhammad Musa Bello further added that, the Association is at liberty to choose whether to continue with last year’s arrangement or not. He emphasised that what the Hajj Commission requires is an effective and efficient service delivery and to protect the interest of the pilgrims, so that they get correct value for their money.

The Chairman reiterated the determination of the Commission to rid the industry of the quacks who were out to cheat innocent intending pilgrims thereby tarnishing the good image of Nigeria.

The Chairman advised the Association to set up a functional secretariat manned by full time staff. He also assured the association of the Commission’s willingness to partner with them in all aspect of their operations.

Earlier, the representatives of the Association led by its National President, Alhaji Nasir Muhammad Koko, told the Chairman that they were in his office to set in motion the preparation for Hajj 2008 and acquaint themselves with the Commission plans for 2008.

The President observed that inspite of the great improvement witnessed last year, there are still areas which need to be tackled.

The meeting identified a number of problems which always militate against the smooth operation of Hajj and Umrah.

Some of the problems militating against the smooth operation of Hajj and Umra were identified. They include communication gap and lack of sincerity on the side of the tour operators, the problem of frequent changes of laws and regulations by the Saudi Authorities which in most cases do not favour the Association and its members.

The representatives of the Association while appealing to the Commission for full recognition and mutual working relationship pledged to co-operate with a view to enhancing the activities of the Association and sanitise the industry.

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has been commended for the successful organization of the 2007 Hajj. The commendation was given by the Comptroller-General of the Nigerian Immigration Service, Mr. Chukwura Joseph Udeh, when the Management of the NAHCON led by its Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Mallam Muhammad Musa Bello, paid him a “thank you” visit at his Sauka Headquarters’ office, Abuja recently.

The Immigration boss said that by its action, the Commission has justified its establishment by the Federal Government, stressing that the success recorded in the last exercise has given hope and confidence to Nigerians that the Commission if given every support has the capabilities to put an end to the recurring lapses in Hajj operation.

Mr. Udeh also praised the Commission for quickly setting in motion the machinery for the commencement of the 2008 Hajj, adding that the early preparation would serve the Commission in good stead and also save it from the usual last minute fire brigade approach, saying history would etch the name of the Members of the Commission in gold.

Earlier, the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of NAHCON, Mallam Muhammad Musa Bello had lauded the NIS on the introduction of e-passport and for its invaluable contribution to NAHCON, particularly in the area of fast-tracking the delivery and issuance of passports during the last Hajj exercise.

He solicited for the support and assistance of the Immigration Service, especially in the area of Bio-metric data base which the Commission intends to introduce

The Chairman of NAHCON was accompanied on the visit by among others the Commissioner in-charge of Administration, Alhaji Liad Tella, Commissioner of Operations, Dr. Badmas Yusuf and Commissioner for Planning, Research and information Dr. Sheikh Saleh Okenwa.

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) wishes to inform the general public especially intending pilgrims for Umrah and Hajj that the Saudi Arabian Authorities have introduced new visa policy under which any visitor to the Kingdom who overstays will be fined ten thousand Saudi Riyals (SR10,000) in addition to serving imprisonment of not less than six months.

Similarly, any legal resident in the Kingdom who shelters such offenders will face same penalty.

The Commission wishes to advise all concerned especially Tour and Travel Operators to ensure strict compliance with the new visa policy that takes immediate effect.

The Federal Government has inaugurated a 9 man delegation to lead the Nigerian intending pilgrims to Saudi Arabia for Hajj 2007 exercise.

The Secretary to the Federal Government Ambassador Baba Gana Kingibe, speaking during the formal inauguration of the members of Amirul Hajj, buttressed the importance of Hajj in Islam and urged the Nigerian intending pilgrims and the officials to be of good conduct, hygiene and orderliness while in the Kingdom.

The Secretary to the Federal Government advised the intending pilgrims to obey the constituted authority and not violating regulations to ensure smooth and hitch free Hajj exercise. He said the policy of 40kg for main luggage and 10kg for hand luggage should be strictly adhered to by the intending pilgrims.

Ambassador Baba Gana Kingibe, informed the delegation that the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria has already made all necessary preparation for the Hajj exercise especially in the areas of Consular Service and the actual Airlift of the pilgrims. He said already four (4) air carriers have been selected for the airlift, these are: Kabo Air, Belview Air, Mangal Air and Meridian Air.

The Secretary to the Government disclosed that the inaugural flight for the Airlift of pilgrims is around the corner which is precisely on the 22^nd of November, 2007.

The majority Senate leader and who is also the Amirul Hajj, Teslim Kolawale Folarin assured the government and the people of Nigeria of their commitment to serve the pilgrims in order to uphold the confidence reposed in them. He pledged to work as a team so as to achieve the set goals.

In the same vein, the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has planned for 95,000.00 number of Nigeria pilgrims for 2007 Hajj. The breakdown showed that 85,000.00 pilgrims would go under the arrangement of State Pilgrims Welfare Boards and 10,000.00 were scheduled to go under the auspices of Hajj and Umrah Tour Operators(with Med-view airline arrangement). The Members of the advance team, comprising the officials of Hajj Commission and the Members of the medical team are already in Saudi Arabia. Also at the present, the processing of Passports and the Visas are going on smoothly and steadily as planned.

If all plans work well and as the inaugural flight is schedule on the 22^nd of November, the last flight is also expected on the 11^th of December 2007 and while the first flight of in-bound from Saudi Arabia is coming up on the 24^th December with last flight to Nigeria on the 13^th January, 2008 which will mark the conclusion of Hajj operation for the 2007/2008 respectively.

PRESS RELEASE(17/11/2007)The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has requested all registered Travel and Tour Operators that have been allocated international Hajj seats to attend a one-day meeting with the Commission to finalize arrangement for 2007 international Hajj flight scheduled for Monday, November 19, 2007 at Committee Room 2, Women Development Centre, Abuja The Commission also wishes to invite all members of the Federal Medical Team for 2007 Hajj and indeed State Medical Teams to attend a one-day pre-Hajj Medical Seminar scheduled for Wednesday November 21, 2007 at the same venue. The Workshop is expected to be declared open by the Chairman, National Hajj Commission of Nigeria,(NAHCON) Mal.Muhammad M.Bello Meanwhile Officials of the States Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Boards are reminded on the urgent need to submit the balance of pilgrims' passports to Saudi Embassy in Abuja and Consulate in Kano for issuance of the Hajj visas Umar Bala Public Relations Officer

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has closed payment for year 2007 Hajj exercise on August 31, 2007. This was borne out of the desire to have ample time for organization, management and arrangement of pilgrims accommodation in Saudi Arabia.

2. It is a first in NAHCON bid to end cash and carry or supermarket Hajj arrangements in Nigeria. While closing the payment will also allow NAHCON to consolidate flight arrangements with the selected airlines.

3. Meanwhile, all state Pilgrims Welfare Boards/Agencies have been directed by the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria to register this year pilgrims based on flight schedule in batches of 450. This according to NAHCON will smoothen movement of pilgrims between the state to the pilgrims camp and from the camp to the Airport.

4. NAHCON has also directed State Pilgrims Welfare Boards to select Welfare Officers who will actually serve the pilgrims and not political office holders who will want to be served rather than serving the pilgrims. NAHCON will soon come up with a policy in the appointment of pilgrims assistant and Welfare officers which will be mandatory on all Pilgrims Welfare Boards/Agencies including Tour Operators in Nigeria.

5. All State Pilgrims Boards are to begin enlightenment campaign with immediate effect. They must also be conscious of a high-level hygiene and environmental condition with the appointment of :

These set of people must be ready to work and serve the pilgrims while the list of those appointed must be forwarded to NAHCON Headquarters by the end of Ramadan for registration and possible training.

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), in partnership with the Government of Kano State and the National Orientation Agency (NOA), organized a two-day Hajj Awareness Workshop at the Royal Tropicana Hotel, Kano, from 4^th-5^th September, 2007, which attracted stakeholders from all over the country, including state pilgrims welfare agencies, private Hajj operators and Airlines, support agencies such as the Immigration service, Customs, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authorities (NCAA), Banks, Islamic organizations and Muslim scholars.

The Workshop was declared open by the Hon. Minister of State for Commerce and Industry, Alhaji Ahmed Garba Bichi, on behalf of the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Alhaji Umaru Musa ‘Yar Adua, GCFR.

The occasion was graced by His Eminence, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar (III) mni, the Sultan of Sokoto and Alhaji Abbas Sanusi, the Wambai of Kano, who represented the Emir of Kano, His Royal Highness, Alhaji Ado Bayero.

The Deputy Governor of Kano State, Engineer Abdullahi Tijjani Muhammed Gwarzo, stood-in for the Chief Host, His Excellency Malam Ibrahim Shekarau, Governor of Kano State.

After a welcome address by the Chairman of the National Hajj Commission (NAHCON), Alhaji Muhammad M. Bello, Goodwill Messages were given by the eminent persons as well as seven lead papers covering various aspects of Hajj operation.

1. State Governments should appoint adequate, competent, God-fearing, knowledgeable and committed officials with spirit of team work to manage Hajj affairs at all levels in the country. The ratio of one welfare officer aged 35-50 years to 100 pilgrims must be implemented. The list of all appointees must be forwarded to the Commission at least four weeks to the commencement of Hajj airlift

2. The National and local Agencies must start early preparations, including announcement of Hajj fares, at least nine months to the next Hajj

3. All States should establish Enlightenment Units with Hajj Training and Orientation Camps for the purpose of getting the pilgrims accustomed to the basic Hajj rites before departing Nigeria. The activity of this Unit should be an all year round training program.

4. Airlines should produce functional flight schedules which should be strictly adhered to by all, such that transit at the Airports would not exceed six hours

5. State pilgrims welfare boards should also produce a functional and efficient departure schedule of their pilgrims from the camps to the Airports both in Nigeria and in Saudi Arabia in batches of 450 pilgrims accompanied by the appropriate officials

6. All State Pilgrims Welfare Boards and Agencies should register their contact addresses and telephone numbers of key officials with the Commission in Nigeria and Saudi Arabia to facilitate efficient lodging and movement of pilgrims

7. State Governments should establish their medical teams early and forward them to the Commission according to this requirement: 1 doctor-100 pilgrims; 1 nurse- 250 pilgrims; 1 pharmacist- 300 pilgrims; and 1 health inspector-500 pilgrims

8. State Pilgrims Agencies should ensure a hygienic environment and medical cover in the States Hajj camps in Nigeria, in the Airports and in the pilgrim Hostels in Saudi Arabia

9. The Airlines should abide by their terms of agreement with the Commission including:

a. the provision of Boeing 747s and other wide-bodied aircraft approved by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authorities (NCAA);

b. the provision of adequate catering services as detailed in the agreement with the Commission; and

c. the provision of 10-kg hand luggage and 40-kg main luggage for every pilgrim in the same aircraft on returning home

10. National Hajj Commission should ensure that International Tour operators abide by the guidelines governing their operations

11. State Governments should provide adequate security in collaboration with the police and the Nigerian Army at the pilgrim camps nation-wide and during transit from the camps to the Airports

12. State Pilgrims Boards and Agencies should consider organizing a similar workshop at the State and Local Government levels to disseminate relevant information and share experiences acquired at this workshop to the pilgrims in particular and the entire Ummah in general

13. The National Orientation Agency should consider joining hands with the National Hajj Commission and the State Pilgrim Agencies in the orientation and reorientation of pilgrims and officials

14. The National Hajj Commission should remain firm and focused in facing the challenges and obligations imposed by the Act that established it by applying appropriate sanctions against any erring official and pilgrim

15. The National Hajj Commission should edit and translate the proceedings of this Workshop into major Nigerian languages for the use of Hajj officials and the pilgrims

16. Every State Government should consider establishing a State Hajj Commission like the Federal Government has done

The recently constituted Presidential Committee that replaced the defunct Directorate of Pilgrims Affairs has organized a meeting with all Chairmen and Secretaries of State Pilgrims Welfare Boards, in order to review and appraise the status of Hajj operation 2006/2007.

Speaking at the occasion, the Chairman Presidential Committee on Hajj, Alhaji Mohammed Musa Bello told the meeting that the primary objective of appointing them to manage Hajj affairs is to forestall any gap in the flow of activities for a successful and hitch-free Hajj, adding that in order to avoid pit falls of the past the committee is currently conducting a comprehensive study for a quick appraisal of all agreements and other matters initiated from the defunct Expert Working group and the Directorate of Pilgrims Affairs.

Even though, the Chairman lamented that during his committee’s interaction with approved Carriers for 2006/2007, it was discovered that they have fallen short in the preparation for the airlift but however promised to tackle the issue effectively.

The Chairman revealed that his committee was fully informed about how the States were actually involved in all aspects of Hajj operation particularly in the areas of screening / selection of air carriers and scouting / selecting of Pilgrims accommodation e.t.c. and assured them to continue the kind rapport.

Alhaji Mohammed Musa Bello advised the State Pilgrims Welfare Boards to mobilize their Pilgrims on the need to keep to flight schedule and maintained that any State which fails to meet this expectation, a punitive measure will be taken against the erring State.

Among the thorny issues discussed during the meeting included: the update arrangements for the 2006/2006 Hajj which comprised of Pilgrims Seat allocation, procurement and distribution of Pilgrims Passports, Visa, Basic Travel allowances (BTA), Suitcases others are the selection of Excess luggage Carriers and second pre- visit to Saudi Arabia. The meeting also discussed about status of preparation by approved and selected airlines.

The attention of the Directorate of Pilgrim Affairs has been drawn to a publication in some of the national dailies credited to the Chairman, Islamic Trust Nigeria, Dr. Shehu Ado informing that his association has concluded all necessary arrangement to commence Hajj by road during the 2006/2007 and I wish to make clear that the Islamic Trust of Nigeria has neither registered with Saudi Arabia nor Directorate of Pilgrim Affairs. The representative of the Association was at the DPA on Tuesday August 22, 2006 as a follow-up to their earlier letter of August 14, 2006 introducing the association and soliciting for introduction letters to our Embassies at Cameroon, Chad and Sudan en-route to Jeddah.

In the course of discussion with the representative, we advised on all the processes the organization must undertake both in Nigeria and Saudi Arabia to be able to carry out the venture.

However, up till the time of this publication, there is no documentary evidence that the organization has registered with relevant Saudi or Nigerian Authorities for the purpose of conveying pilgrims (by road or any other means for that matter) to Saudi Arabia for this year’s Hajj.

It is pertinent to state that the admittance of Nigerian pilgrims into Saudi Arabia for Hajj is guided by a Memorandum Of Understanding (MOU) usually signed between Nigeria and Saudi Arabia for the 2006/2007 Hajj. The MOU is in favour of 65,000 pilgrims who shall be admitted into the Kingdom through the arrangements by government and another 15,000 through registered tour operators. As at the time of this publication, over thirty duly registered tour operators have applied and taken up the total slots allocated to them.

In view of the above, the general public is hereby advised to ask pertinent questions before patronising any organization purporting to be arranging Hajj by whatever means.

On the allegation leveled against DPA by the Director FCT Pilgrims Welfare Board, Alhaji Hussaini Ashara that the DPA is a stumbling block to successful Hajj Operation. This is the least we expect from a person of his calibre. It clearly shows that the Director is not abreast of the happenings in the arrangement of Hajj Operation and does not attend regular meetings with his states’ colleagues who are actively and solely responsible for negotiations of Airfare, selection of Air Carriers, provision of pilgrims accommodation and production of pilgrims suitcases. Here the DPA only plays the role of coordination.

The Director also claimed to have turned down more than 600 DPA sponsored pilgrims from joining FCT pilgrims to board Jeddah bound Aircrafts. We wish to categorically state and emphasis that, the Federal government has since stopped the sponsorship of all category of pilgrims and we wondered where the DPA would have gotten those pilgrims. Why the Director ignorantly made such an allegation, is left much to be desired.

The DPA is always willing to absorb constructive criticisms and assist any organization or individuals with meaningful advise or suggestion that could improve the conduct of Hajj Operation which is the collective responsibility of all Hajj stakeholder and not a narrow minded criticism of the kind, being made by the Director FCT Pilgrims Welfare Board.

NATIONAL HAJJ COMMISSION OF NIGERIA (NAHCON)

THE CARDINAL PRINCIPLES OF ACCEPTABLE HAJJ (HAJJ MABRUR)(23/06/2009)