The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has explained that despite the shortage of staff, it will ensure that the Pilgrims welfare and worship permit to sacred places are well coordinated.
Speaking with members of the National Media Team in Madinah, Monday, the NAHCON Coordinator in the City, Alhaji Ibrahim Idris Mahmoud, explained that they are working in collaboration with state officials that are in Madinah to ensure that welfare of the Nigerian pilgrims is taken care of.
He also said the Commission was keenly monitoring service providers, saying that some have been warned, cautioned, while others have been sanctioned to serve as deterrent and to make them live up to their contractual agreement.
According to him, “The Commission has engaged enough caterers to provide food for the Nigerian pilgrims, through their states officials”.
NAHCON Coordinator in Madinah who acknowledged that they have received complains as to the quality of food the pilgrims are being served said, “We held series of meetings with the caterers and we have addressed the issues. Now, any caterer that failed to deliver quality food will not be paid.”
He said at NAHCON Madinah office last review, about 43, 817 Nigerian Pilgrims have arrived Saudi Arabia and many more are still expected.
The Coordinator explained that all the pilgrims, including those who landed at Jeddah were brought to Madinah to visit sacred and historical place.
He stated, “We have also secured visitation permit for over 30,000 Nigerian Pilgrims to visit and to pray in Prophet Mohammed’s mosque, Harami and other sacred places.
“Some of our officers are dedicated to book for pilgrims. The States are expeceted to come and lias with the official to get the pilgrims permits for their various States. We also ensure that State officials also get buses and coordinate pilgrims visitation to other places in Madinah.”
On how the Commission attend to pilgrims in need of medical services, he said it has three clinics located at strategic locations close to most Nigerians Pilgrims’ hotels.
According to him, “If there is need for us to take any Nigerian Pilgrim to Saudi hospital, we will do that.”
