Following the spread of coronavirus, COVID-19 in the country, the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria, NAHCON has directed all States’ Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Boards, agencies or commissions to suspend the ongoing pilgrims’ sensitization activities nationwide until further notice.
The commission, however, added that all necessary preparatory steps for 2020 Hajj are not affected by the directive.
In a circular with reference number NAHCON/SB/33/VOL.XVIII/260 issued on Friday and made available to our correspondent in Abuja, it explained that the action has become imperative to prevent the coronavirus infection among the intending pilgrims.
The circular, signed by the NAHCON Commissioner, Planning, Research, Statistics, Information and Library Services, Sheikh Suleiman Momoh, commended state pilgrims’ boards/commissions/agencies for their efforts in pilgrims’ enlightenment so far.
According to him, the sensitization is geared towards mentoring Nigerian pilgrims to be good ambassadors of the country while in Saudi Arabia.
“The directive became necessary in the light of the health challenges posed by the COVID-19 infection with its potency of rapid transmission most especially in large gatherings.
“It is therefore among the NAHCON’s priorities to protect pilgrims as well as intending pilgrims from hazardous circumstances whether in or outside the country.
“In addition, federal government, in line with advisory from National Centre for Disease Control has banned all public gatherings whether religious or social.
“This is to support social distancing and as a COVID-19 containment strategy. This measure, NAHCON totally identifies with,” the circular stressed.
It, therefore, urged all intending pilgrims and others that may be concerned to take note and heed accordingly.
