The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has begun preparations for 2019 Hajj by setting up three committees that will look into possibility of providing central pilgrims’ accommodation in Makkah and uniform identity for all Nigerian pilgrims.

Daily Trust gathered that part of the committees assignment is to come out with a modality of housing all Nigerian pilgrims in some cluster of hotels near the grand mosque in Makkah, like the case in Madina; as well as provide uniform identity to all the pilgrims unlike the current situation where the 36 states pilgrims and the FCT have different identities.

The formation of the committees was disclosed by the Chairman/CEO of NAHCON, Barrister Abdullahi Mukhtar Muhammad, in Makkah after a meeting with chief executives of State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Boards last Friday.

The three committees “comprising staff of NAHCON and SPWBs were created to start preparation for 2019 Hajj, vis-a-vis arrangements for accommodation and other matters in Makkah and Madinah,” a statement by the commission head of public affairs division, Fatima Sanda Usara, said on Sunday.

During the meeting, she said, “the NAHCON chief thanked President Muhammad Buhari for continually supporting NAHCON and paving the way for it to overcome its challenges.”

“Barrister Muhammad also complimented SPWBs for their cooperation throughout the 2018 Hajj operation, urging them to continue to join hands with NAHCON and air carriers for the smooth movement of pilgrims back home.

“He solicited them to educate pilgrims on the need to comply with luggage regulations to avoid unnecessary delays at screening points in the airports.”

Muhammad also praised Nigerian pilgrims to this year’s Hajj for their patience, comportment, most especially their orderliness. He also acknowledged that most of them remained within the precincts defined for hand luggage, thus, the bane of arriving Jedda Airport with multiple excess luggage was minimal compared to other years.

“He commended the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for overseeing a Hajj season devoid of outbreak of any major diseases, mishaps, and called for more prayers for prosperous Hajj seasons.

The chairman also acknowledged how difficult handling the affairs of millions of people from different socio-cultural backgrounds must be yet, the Saudi government goes the extra mile to protect and provide satisfaction to guests of The Merciful Lord.