From Garba Abdullahi Bagwai, in Kano
The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has said it has no role in selecting service providers for the next Hajj exercise, stressing that the responsibility lies solely with state pilgrims’ welfare agencies as almost ninety percent of pilgrims drawn from states.
The Commissioner for Policy, Research, Statistics, Information and Library Science (PRISLS) of NAHCON, Professor Abubakar Abubakar Yagawal, stated this while speaking with journalists on Tuesday.
He explained that the commission’s responsibility was to monitor the process and ensure that the interests and welfare of Nigerian pilgrims were protected, particularly during their stay in Muna and Arafat.
“States have the pilgrims, so they have the right to select the service provider of their choice,” he said.
Professor Yagawal explained that the Forum of State Pilgrims Welfare Agencies’ Chairmen and Secretaries had met and resolved to engage their service provider for the forthcoming Hajj.
NAHCON is a regulator. It does the verification to ascertain the viability of the services providers then allow the states to select which providers fits their satisfaction.
He said NAHCON would not force the states to rescind the decision they had already taken, but noted that the commission would continue to consult with the agencies and discuss areas where minor realignments might be necessary.
“It is our responsibility to ensure that all stakeholders are carried along in decision-making for the success of the next Hajj operation,” he said.
The commissioner appealed to the Muslim Ummah to shun acts capable of spreading misinformation about the Hajj exercise, describing Hajj as one of the five pillars of Islam.
He assured that NAHCON remained committed to protecting the rights and welfare of Nigerian pilgrims both at home and in the Holy Land.
According to him, ensuring compliance with Saudi Arabia’s Hajj and Umrah rules and regulations remains one of the commission’s priorities.
He urged all stakeholders to work together to ensure a smooth and successful Hajj operation.
