I am of the view that as preparations for the 2024 hajj operations enter into a high gear, it is expected that the new National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) management under Jalal Arabi should do the needful to enable pilgrims to avoid the type of nasty experience they encountered in the past hajj operations.
It should be proactive by introducing tough and stringent laws for the strict adherence by the Nigerian intending pilgrims.
NAHCON has to significantly enhance services for Nigerian pilgrims by adopting a zero-tolerance attitude to all corrupt tendencies associated with pilgrims’ officials if Nigeria is to make a breakthrough and create a record in pilgrimage operations under the Tinubu Presidency.
This is because during last year’s hajj operation like the previous ones before it, I noticed that many Nigerian pilgrims were not only maltreated by some mutawwifs but some of them were even said to have been deprived of their monies which they gave to agents to the mutawwifs.
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This must be avoided by the new Jalal management as a way of restoring pilgrims’ confidence as well as many pilgrims’ welfare boards.
It is almost three months now since Jalal Arabi assumed the mantle of leadership at the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON). He was appointed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on October 17, 2023. He took over from Alh. Zikirullah.
It could be recalled that for almost one month or so, Jalal had, after he resumed at the commission central area in appreciation, received briefings from sectional and unit heads of the commission apart from various interactions as time permitted in the interactions still ongoing.
Similarly, the management of the commission under Jalal should look at the welfare of its staff to uplift their morale and encourage them to work successfully towards achieving the objective of the commission.
Happily, since his appointment, this is perhaps the first time that the commission’s new CEO has been trying to tackle the workers’ welfare issues head-on almost to the satisfaction of many officials who were interviewed recently within the past two weeks or so.
Other important issues which should be tackled by Malam Jalal’s team had to do with pilgrims and the response of airlines involved in the airlift of our pilgrims to and from this country.
This is therefore a clarion call to emphasise the need to ensure that the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration translates into action.
Ibrahim Biu wrote from Area 11, Abuja.
