Leadnaija
The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) and the Private Tour Operators (PTO) have met to assess state of preparedness for a hitch free 2025 Hajj operations.
According to a statement, the meeting too place on Friday at the Nigeria Hajj Affairs Office, Ummul Jud, Makkah, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Welcoming the participants to the meeting, the Chairman/CEO of NAHCON, Prof. Abdullahi Saleh Usman, reminded the PTO that the clock was ticking, assuring however, that the Commission was working round the clock to ensure smooth operations.
He called on the PTO come forward with their complaints for clarification if any in order to chart a way forward.
He informed that the Commission had booked 1000 bed spaces in Tent A, Minna, assuring that it was still awaiting to receive words from the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah on Tent A Plus.
He urged the PTO to indicate interest for the already booked Tent A for allocation.
He said appealed that the they should cooperate with NAHCON for a smooth Hajj operation, as time was fast running out.
Also speaking, the Commissioner in charge of Operations Inspectorate, Compliance and Licensing, Prince Anofiu Elegusi, said the meeting could not have held at a better time, adding the presence of the PTO signified a vital partnership for the welfare of Nigerian Pilgrims.
He described the roles of the Operators as very crucial for a successful Hajj, urging them to be opened in their dialogue, while sharing ideas for a smooth operation.
In its submissions, the Operators requested for opportunity to meet with the Service Providers of Tent A to agree on common grounds, a request the Commission promised to facilitate.
They said this was necessary to avert a reoccurrence of 2024 incidence.
The statement said: “Another issue the Tour Operators lodged is the difficulty they are facing in payment on the e-track.
“On this NAHCON promise to intervene and call on the affected tour operators to avail them with more detailed information.”
