2021 Hajj: NAHCON directs pilgrim boards to carry on registration
dailytrust.com
By Faruk Shuaibu
The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) yesterday told states pilgrims’ boards to continue with the registration and preparation for the 2021 Hajj and Umrah services.
In a statement signed by its Head of Public Affairs, Fatima Sanda, the Chairman of NAHCON, Alhaji Zikrullah Kunke Hassan, said the lift of suspension of international flights by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, gave high hopes for the possibility of intending pilgrims to embark on Hajj and Umrah this year.
Recall that the kingdom last year suspended all international flights into the country due to the COVID-19 pandemic, resulting to only 1,000 pilgrims performing the 2020 hajj, a stark reduction of over two million Muslims that undertake the annual pilgrimage.
He assured Nigerian Muslims that as soon as the kingdom communicates new guidelines on Hajj and Umrah, the commission would take appropriate actions in the interest of intending pilgrims.
“In the meantime, the commission urges intending pilgrims, states and other Hajj and Umrah licensed operators to continue with preparations and registration while exercising patience until clear directives are released by Saudi Arabia,” he was quoted in the statement.
He added that the commission was working with the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19 and Federal Ministry of Health to map out strategic guidelines on COVID-19 preventive measures relative to safeguarding Nigerian pilgrims from harm during large gatherings customary to Hajj preparations.
“NAHCON also wishes to remind all intending pilgrims for Hajj that registration for the 2021 Hajj will continue on the normal platform on e-Hajj portals under state pilgrims’ boards/agencies/commissions, while those wishing to pay against 2022 and beyond are advised to utilize the Hajj Savings Scheme platform,” he said.
