•Tinubu approves 12-man management board for Hajj commission
Deji Elumoye and Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja
The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has requested the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) to open a market for Nigeria to export sacrificial animals as well as the engagement of Nigeria’s skilled manpower such as veterinary doctors and manual labourers to offer services during Hajj 2024, especially under Hadaya.
The Chairman of NAHCON, Mallam Jalal Arabi tabled the request yesterday during his visit to the bank.
A statement by NAHCON spokesperson, Fatima Usara added that Arabi, also sought for consolidation of the relationship established with the Islamic development bank.
He expressed gratitude to the Vice President of Operations, IsDB, Dr Mansur Mukhtar, for the technical assistance that NAHCON received in 2019 that facilitated an understudy and establishment of the Hajj Savings Scheme and the Hajj Institute of Nigeria.
Also the NAHCON chairman continued to scout and assess alternative service providers to involve in serving Nigerian pilgrims where necessary by visiting other pilgrims’ Mutawwif Establishments to understudy the services available in their packages.
The Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah had created windows for countries to select Pilgrims’ Establishment Mutawwif Companies of their choice as a way of encouraging competition favourable to pilgrims. He interacted with the Mashariq Mutawwif Establishment in this regard.
Earlier, he consulted with the Deputy Minister of Hajj in charge of Umrah and Ziyara in Madina, Dr Abdulrahman Bejawi, where he sought commitment on issues concerning the welfare of Nigerian pilgrims as well as the safety of their property.
The NAHCON chairman equally accepted the Makkah Route project where Nigeria is among the seven countries offered the services. Bejawi said over 30 countries had shown interest in the initiative.
Meanwhile, President Bola Tinubu has approved the appointment of a 12-man board and management team for NAHCON, pending confirmation by the Nigerian Senate.
The president, in his resolve to ensure hitch-free and seamless 2024 Hajj operations, also renewed the appointment of Jalal Arabi as Chairman of the new Board.
Other members of the NAHCON board, according to a statement issued on yesterday by presidential spokesperson, Ajuri Ngelale, include Aliu Abdulrazaq, Commissioner, Policy, Personnel, & Finance; Prince Anofi Elegushi, Commissioner, Operations and Prof Abubakar Yagawal Commissioner, Planning & Research.
The zonal representatives include: Dr. Muhammad Umaru Ndagi, North Central; Abba Jato Kala, North East; Sheikh Muhammad Bin Othman, North West and Tajudeen Oladejo Abefe, South West.
Others are Aishat Obi Ahmed, South East; Zainab Musa, South South; Professor Musa Inuwa Fodio, Jama’atul Nasril Islam and Professor Adedimeji Mahfouz Adebola, Supreme Council on Islamic Affairs.
The president mandated the appointees to dedicate themselves to the task of ensuring that operations of the National Hajj Commission are more efficient, transparent, and responsive to the needs of Nigerians.
