The 2024 Hajj operations, led by Malam Jalal Ahmad Arabi, have been unanimously celebrated as a watershed moment for Nigeria’s pilgrimage efforts. Through meticulous planning and flawless execution, NAHCON set new standards, earning praise from pilgrims and industry stakeholders alike.
Veteran Hajj professional, Ustaz Abubakar Siddeq Muhammad, in his analytical piece titled “Mal Jalal Ahmad Arabi And Hajj 2024 (2)” published in LEADERSHIP Newspapers, lauded the unprecedented readiness of Arafah. “For the first time in over 20 years, the Tents were fully prepared two weeks before D-Day—carpeted and air-conditioned,” he observed (see: https://leadership.ng/mal-jalal-ahmad-arabi-and-hajj-2024-2-2/).
Despite his tenure being prematurely cut short by political maneuvering, Jalal Arabi’s leadership as Chairman/CEO of NAHCON delivered transformative results, currently detailed in the Commission’s report, “2024: A Year of Achievements, Challenges, and Renewal”. For the sake of history and posterity, the key milestones that every mention of Arabi’s name would evoke included:
1. Visa Issuance: Every pilgrim received their visa ahead of airlift operations, a first in Nigerian Hajj history.
2. Airlift Operations: Over 52,000 pilgrims were transported by June 9, 2024, well before Saudi Arabia’s deadline. Return flights wrapped up five days early.
3. Pilgrim Welfare in Mina: Essentials such as toiletries and handheld fans were distributed to enhance comfort.
4. Health Support: Free medications for common ailments like malaria and hypertension were provided, ensuring timely care for pilgrims.
These achievements, accomplished despite economic challenges, underscore NAHCON’s resilience and dedication. Jalal Arabi’s efforts were further recognized internationally when he was granted rare access to the Holy Ka’aba in Saudi Arabia—a privilege reserved for distinguished global figures.
As NAHCON builds on the successes of 2024, the 2025 Hajj season is poised to succeed as well ensuring a seamless and spiritually enriching experience for Nigerian pilgrims. Such is the power of strong foundation.
Another brilliant piece has succinctly captured the rare record of Arabi as NAHCON’s steersman who came, saw and changed strategic planning and execution with supersonic speed, visit: https://www.hajjnews.com.ng/2024/12/nahcon-in-2024-year-of-achievements-challenges-and-renewal.html.
~ Olaitan wrote from Ilorin, Kwara State.
