National Hajj Commission of Nigeria, NAHCON, has commended the authorities of the Saudi Arabia over the reported news that it has lifted suspension on international travels.
This was even as the commission urged intending pilgrims, states and other Hajj and Umrah licensed operators to continue with normal preparations and registration for this year’s holy pilgrimage.
Chairman of NAHCON, Alhaji Zhikrullah Hassan, however, added in a statement released in Abuja that in doing these, they would exercise patience until clear directives are released by Saudi Arabia.
The statement, signed by the Head of Public Affairs in the commission, Hajiya Fatima Sanda Usara, said it “joins millions of Muslims from all over the world in sharing the optimism that lies beneath the news of Saudi Arabia lifting its suspension on international travels.”
“As a people of faith saddled with the responsibility of managing Hajj and Umrah travels from Nigeria, the news holds glad tidings for those hoping to embark on Hajj and Umrah from Nigeria.
“Even as we look forward with high hopes on the possibility of the larger Muslim community performing Hajj and Umrah in 2021, NAHCON will continue to await further directives from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in reverence to the Kingdom’s divinely bestowed role as the custodians of the two holy mosques and its domain.
“The commission continues to commend and trust the Kingdom for its courage in taking difficult decisions in the interest of world Muslims even where the unfavorable effect of such decisions is borne by the Kingdom itself,” Hassan stated.
The chairman assured Muslims that “as soon as the Saudi Arabia authority communicates new guidelines on Hajj and Umrah, the commission will not hesitate in taking the appropriate actions in the interest of Nigerian intending pilgrims.”
While preparing for the holy pilgrimage, he reminded all intending pilgrims and state officials of the need to observe COVID-19 protocols in order to curtail the spread of the pandemic especially under this second wave.
The commission also reminded all intending pilgrims that registration for 2021 Hajj will continue on the normal platform on e-Hajj portals under state pilgrims’ boards/agencies/commissions, while those wishing to pay for 2022 and beyond are advised to utilize the Hajj Savings Scheme platform.
