Nigerian Government begins airlift of pilgrims to Saudi Arabia

Nigeria's Vice President, Mohammed Namadi Sambo

Nigerian Government begins airlift of pilgrims to Saudi Arabia

The Nigerian Vice President, Mohammed Namadi Sambo has flagged-off the inaugural airlift of a set of 500 pilgrims from Nasarawa State in northern Nigeria to mark the commencement of this year’s Hajj exercise at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, the nation’s capital.

Sambo called on the pilgrims to pray for Nigeria and commended the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) for raising the standard of Hajj operations since coming on board in 2007.

In this year’s operations, four government approved air carriers are expected to airlift 99,000 pilgrims in 200 flights from 12 centres across the country before the November 2 dateline set for airlift off all pilgrims to Saudi Arabia.

Sambo said “we note with delight, the modest transformations that have been recorded generally in Hajj operations, the impact of which have gone a long way in facilitating smoother Hajj experience for the average Nigerian pilgrim.”

He however urged the commission to consolidate on the gains recorded and tasked other stakeholders in Hajj operations to ensure that optimal success is achieved in programmes like “the Tradudiyya transportation system, the harmonised feeding arrangement in Munah and Arafat, the new concept of accommodation in Madina as well as luggage management.”

He also enjoined the pilgrims to be good ambassadors of the country by avoiding acts capable of incriminating them while in the holy land.

He said, “I request you to offer special prayers for our dear country for peace, progress and remind you to be steadfast.”

He assured them of government’s commitment to assist in order to ensure a smooth exercise.
He also advised the pilgrims to take good care of themselves by feeding well, observing proper hygiene as well as utilising their travel allowances in the most judicious manner.

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In his address, Nasarawa State Governor Umar Tanko Almakura, expressed his appreciation to the Nigerian President, Goodluck Jonathan for approving the exchange rate of N135 to the Dollar, saying the incentive had reduced the Hajj fare and increased the number of pilgrims.

The Sultan of Sokoto and the head of the Nigerian Government delegation to this year’s Hajj (Amirul Hajj), Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, represented by the Shehu of Borno, Alhaji Abubakar Ibn Umar Garbai El-Kanemi, also thanked the Nigerian Government for offering measures to make the Hajj easier for pilgrims.

NP/Adekusibe/Ekata