The Chairman, National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Alhaji Zikrullah Hassan, has said that Muslims in the country were keen for the 2021 hajj to hold as they have started making payments.
Hassan stated this in Abuja at a dinner organized in honour of the new Ambassador of Saudi Arabia to Nigeria, Faisal bin Ibrahim Al-Ghamdi.
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“Nigeria is a home of hajj and for over 1,000 years, when there were no cars or aeroplane, our forefathers still took the pleasure to go for pilgrimage. That is why those who paid for hajj last year refused to collect their money and some have paid this year also, waiting to undertake the visit. We pray that Allah will help us to overcome COVID-19,” he said.
While stressing that the commission was still waiting for pronouncement from Saudi Arabia, he said intending pilgrims were being enlightened on the precautionary measures against the deadly virus.
He added that since COVID-19 vaccine would play a vital role in 2021 hajj, talks were ongoing with relevant agencies to prioritize inoculation of intending pilgrims.
He further sought for the continue cooperation and support of the Ambassador to ensure Nigerians conduct their hajj and Umrah with ease.