The Federal Authorities has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Saudi Arabia in a transfer to solidify seamless Hajj in 2024.
The MoU was signed in Jeddah on Sunday within the presence of Nigeria’s International Affairs Minister, Yusuf Tuggar, and the performing Chairman and Chief Govt Officer of the Nationwide Hajj Fee of Nigeria, Jalal Arabi.
This was made recognized on Sunday, in a doc signed by NAHCON’s Assistant Director of Public Affairs, Fatima Usara.
PUNCH On-line stories that Nigerian pilgrims confronted quite a few challenges together with lack of sufficient tent lodging at Mina and Arafat; substandard tents with unhealthy dwelling situations and surroundings; lack of correct medical consideration to pilgrims in circumstances of emergency; and lack of correct transportation, amongst others.
PUNCH additionally reported that the Home of Representatives ordered a probe into the matter and in addition mandated “The Committee on Pilgrims Affairs (when constituted) to conduct an in depth investigation into the a number of anomalies that emanated from the 2023 Hajj and report again to the Home inside 4 weeks for additional legislative motion.”
The NAHCON assertion learn, “As we speak, 7 January 7, 2024, Nigeria beneath the Nationwide Hajj Fee of Nigeria, solidified its dedication to a seamless Hajj train by signing the 2024 (1445AH) Hajj Memorandum of Understanding with the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah.
“The signing ceremony held in Jeddah had in attendance key representatives from Nigeria led by Minister of International Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, and Jalal Arabi, Ag. Chairman/CEO of NAHCON. The host nation’s contingent was led by the Saudi Arabian Minister of Hajj and Umrah, Dr. Taufiq Al-Rabiah”.
“Previous to the MoU signing, the 2 Ministers held a quick dialogue the place Ambassador Yusuf requested for a long-lasting answer to the scarcity of tents in Mina and pressed for extra beneficial phrases for Nigerian Carriers throughout Hajj airlifts. The Nigerian group additionally invited the Saudi Minister of Hajj and Umrah to go to Nigeria.”
In response, the Saudi minister, Rabiah, acknowledged the problem of house in Mina and guaranteed Nigerian authorities that “efforts are being made to maximise the usage of the accessible two million sq. metres for the over two million pilgrims performing Hajj yearly”.
He expressed the ministry’s help for all measures to offer pilgrims the perfect companies. Rabiah agreed to go to Nigeria quickly.
Different members from Nigeria embrace the Nigerian Consul-Common in Jeddah, Bello Hussaini Kazaure, senior officers from the Nigerian Mission in Saudi Arabia and NAHCON.