A Civil Society Organization, Independent Hajj Reporters, has urged the new Chairman of National Hajj Commission of Nigeria, NAHCON, Jalal Arabi, to design a comprehensive sustainable hajj policy.
The National Coordinator of the CSO, Ibrahim Muhammed, gave the advice in a congratulatory message to the chairman, on Thursday in Abuja.
He said, ” As a retired Permanent Secretary in the Federal Civil Service, it is expected that the new NAHCON Chairman will put in place a comprehensive and sustainable Hajj policy that focuses on efficient service delivery for Nigerian pilgrims.
”And see to its implementation at every stage.”
Mr Muhammed also urged the chairman to immediately mobilise the needed tools to launch a massive public enlightenment to educate prospective pilgrims on the short time available for registration for the 2024 hajj pilgrimage.
He added, ”As a seasoned civil servant, the new NAHCON helmsman comes onboard with a technocratic experience which we believe will come to bear as he assumes duty.
”We also note that the new chairman is coming into office at the right time with a timeline of activities regarding Hajj 2024, just picking up.
”We urge that he hits the ground running by continuing where the immediate past board of NAHCON stopped by ensuring prompt registration of intending pilgrims and engagement of capable service providers for hajj 2024 operation.”
Mr Muhammed commended the immediate past board of the commission for doing well in spite of the numerous challenges.
He particularly paid tribute to the former NAHCON boss, Zikirullah Hassan, for the take-off of the Hajj Savings Scheme and the Hajj Institute of Nigeria.
Mr Muhammed said, ” While we wish the new chairman a successful tenure of office, we call on him to work in harmony with the State Pilgrims Boards and Agencies as well as Tour Operators to see to the successful registration of pilgrims.
”And the implementation of the Road Map to Hajj 2024, as encapsulated in the programmes and policies being implemented by the Saudi Arabian Ministry of Hajj and Umrah towards Hajj 2024.”
NAN
