Hajj Operators Lament Timing Of Labour Strike

Association of Hajj and Umrah Operators of Nigeria (AHOUN) has appealed to the leadership of Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and its Trade Union Congress (TUC) counterparts to reconsider their stand on the ongoing nationwide strike action over minimum wage, saying the timing is not favourable to Nigerian Muslims.

The appeal was contained in a statement signed by the national president of the association, Abdulateef Ekundayo Yusuf.

The Hajj body said that while it understands the position of the NLC and TUC in pressing for a better working condition for Nigerian workers and the pains of all Nigerians at this trying period, the declaration and commencement of the nationwide strike action are ill-timed and unfavourable for the Nigerian Muslim community.

“We would like to call the attention of the Labour Congress to the impact of the strike on one of the most fundamental pillars of Islam which is the Hajj and Eid Kabir festival nationwide, the financial implications the strike will have on Muslims who have saved for years to be able to embark on this holy journey.

“Additionally, the financial loss to our members will run into billions of naira having completed all necessary arrangements of accommodation, transportation, and feeding in both Makkah and Madina, including issued tickets and visas for thousands of people (of which payments are non-refundable) who will be affected by disruption of both local and international flights operations.

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“We hereby call on the leadership of Nigeria Labour Congress and Trade Union Congress to please reconsider their stand on the timing of strike actions in the interest of Nigeria Muslims who form majority of their membership until after hajj to avert huge financial loss that will be borne by average Nigerian. We trust our plea will meet favourable consideration from the leadership of the two unions as they are sensitive to our religious diversity,“ the statement reads in part.