The Independent Hajj Reporters (IHR), a civil society organization that monitors and reports activities during Hajj and Umrah has saluted what it describes as the “exemplary patriotism” and cooperation shown by selected airlines for the 2023 Hajj.
The federal government through NAHCON had selected Max Air, Azman, Air Peace, Aero Contractors, Arik Air, Value Jet, and Saudi Arabia-based Flynas for the airlift operations of Hajj 2023.
IHR in a statement by its national coordinator, Ibrahim Mohammed, Saturday explained that after receiving all deposits from across the states, FCT, and the armed forces, NAHCON deposited these monies into its accounts at the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN)
According to Mohammed, the normal practice is for the apex bank to provide the dollar equivalent of monies deposited based on the approved official rates for disbursement by NAHCON to meet its obligations.
The statement read in part “However, we are sad to note that despite repeated appeals, the CBN could not provide the needed foreign exchange equivalent not just before the commencement of airlift on May 25, but almost 3 weeks after.
“It is, however, gratifying to note that after receiving assurances of payment whenever the USD is made available, the airlines have gone ahead to not just offer full services, but are so far doing a wonderful job. Over 50,000 pilgrims have so far been airlifted to Saudi Arabia by the airlines who are yet to get the needed funds from Nigerian authorities.
” IHR also notes that following relentless efforts of various stakeholders and coupled with the recent change of leadership at the CBN, the necessary authorization has been received and NAHCON is set to get the due amounts for disbursements.
“We urge all concerned to ensure everything that is needed to be done ahead of the second leg of the airlift that is expected to begin immediately after the Hajj rites are done”.
