2023 Hajj: Nigerian Envoy Applauds NAHCON 

The Nigerian Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Ambassador Yahaya Lawal, described the ongoing airlift of intending pilgrims from Nigeria to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for 2023 Hajj as impressive.

The Nigerian envoy made the remark when he breezed into the central coordinating committee meeting of NAHCON at the Hajj House, saying he was encouraged by the event in the situation room to adjudge this year’s Hajj operation as outstanding.

He applauded the chairman of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Alhaji Zilkrullah kunle Hassan, for his vision and all-inclusive style of management in monitoring the organisation of the Hajj airlift.

Ambassador Lawal in a statement issued by Alhaji Mousa Ubandawaki, deputy director of information and publications, NAHCON, said: “I am so impressed with the monitoring of the airlift operation. I am so glad and delighted that the operation is going on very well.

“I have seen the result of better planning, organisation and monitoring. It is a great accomplishment that you are able to utilize all the 95,000 slots allocated to Nigeria. Indeed, this will give us the impetus to ask for additional allocation next year. I want to say this year’s hajj operation has been very outstanding.”

The transportation of intending Nigerian pilgrims to Saudi Arabia for 2023 hajj began May 25 when 472 pilgrims boarded the inaugural flight from the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport Abuja to Madinah and so far, 28,768 Nigerian pilgrims have been transported to Saudi Arabia in 68 flight operations within 12 days.

Ambassador Lawal assured NAHCON of the Nigerian Embassy in Saudi Arabia readiness and commitment to support and collaborate with the commission to achieve its desired objective of a successful Hajj.

“We are at your disposal to collaborate with you for a successful operation this year and beyond in the discharge of your national assignment” he concluded.