Chairman, National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) Barrister Abdullahi Mukhtar Muhammad Thursday in Abuja established the task force to stop pilgrims over staying their visa permit while in Saudi Arabia.
The chairman also inaugurated the commission’s staff committees with the responsibility of monitoring service providers of Nigerian pilgrims in Makkah and Madinah after a three-day induction training.
While inaugurating the committees, the NAHCON boss admonished members on issues necessary for the comfort of pilgrims. These include allocating rooms and getting them ready before pilgrims’ arrival, they must not be allowed to stay long in hotel reception upon arrival. Similarly, there must not be overcrowding and pilgrims must not be served cold or unwholesome meals or fruits.
He also enjoined the committees to ensure there is no breach of contract on the part of any service provider, and where such occurs, the providers must be sanctioned appropriately. He drew their attention to issues of accommodation, security, sanitation, provision of toiletries and constant change of beddings.
The chairman urged members of the respective committees to always discharge their duties diligently and not to compromise the pilgrims’ wellbeing but resist temptation and bad temperament, bearing in mind that there will be accountability before the almighty.
Committees inaugurated include feeding and accommodation in Makka and Madinah, hand luggage monitoring, tents and Masha’er, Turadudiyya (Transportation) among others.
Heads of the various committees made presentations to provide more insight on expectations and realities on ground.
