2024 Hajj: Tour Operators Applaud NAHCON For Improved Exercise

National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has been applauded for improved and smooth services provided during the 2024 Hajj exercise.

Hajj and Umrah Tour Operators Union of Nigeria (HUTOUN) gave the commendation in a statement jointly signed by its chairman, Suleiman Bemekun and secretary, Alhaji Muhammed R. A. and made available to journalists in Abuja.

The union expressed delight with how the commission headed by Malam Jalal Ahmad Arabi airlifted Nigeria’s pilgrims to and fro Saudi- Arabia without delay, which Nigerian Hujajs used to experience in the past.
HUTOUN, as a body aiming to ensure transparency, effective communication, and joint decision-making, also commended NAHCON for ensuring hygienic food and gift items in Mina and Arafat. He, however, advised the commission to correct the shortage of toilets and their hygienic conditions at tent “A”.

“This year’s Hajj witnessed lots of improvement under the leadership of Alhaji Jalal Ahmad Arabi.

“Thus, early issuance of Hajj visas, providing clarity on flight availability and preventing issues that surfaced of delayed visas in the 2022 and 2023 Hajj seasons.
“Successful crediting of IBAN accounts by NAHCON, along with timely remittance at prevailing exchange rates and introducing late payment windows for tour operators.

“Improvements in tent “D” facilities, services, and feeding compared to the previous year, thereby showcasing better NAHCON supervision of pilgrim’s transportation from Makkah to Mina.

“The best services provided by NAHCON included hygienic food and gift items in Mina and Arafat.
“Poor treatment of pilgrims at tent ‘A’, necessitating a review of procedures and protocols to ensure the well-being of all individuals. We are available to collaborate with the commission at all times in her onerous task of ensuring that improved, efficient and effective services are being provided for Nigerian pilgrims to consolidate on the successes recorded in the just concluded hajj operations in the 2025 hajj exercise,” HUTOUN stated.

The union, however, called on NAHCON to commence necessary arrangements for 2025 Hajj operations, saying it will help achieve more improvement.

“We are ready to partner with the commission by engaging relevant Saudi agencies in tackling the inadequate number of toilets, leading to hygiene and sanitation concerns and overcrowding of tent “A” in Mina,” HUTOUN added.