NAHCON says uproar over Hajj fares due to communication gap

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), has said that the uproar over the 2017 hajj fares was a result of communication gap among stakeholders.

The Executive Chairman of the commission, Abdullahi Muktar, made the remark at a sensitisation programme organised by NAHCON to educate Muslim clerics in Kaduna State on preparations for the pilgrimage.

He told the 40 clerics at the event that the commission would not do anything that would impose hardship on intending pilgrims.

Muktar, who was represented by Saleh Modibbo, Commissioner in charge of Operations, said NAHCON was ready for the commencement of hajj operations at the end of July.

“The commission has laid solid foundation towards smooth airlifting of pilgrims from Nigerian to Saudi Arabia,’’ he said, adding that arrangements for pilgrims’ accommodation, feeding and transportation had been done.

“We will not take anything to chance in ensuring the comfort of the pilgrims throughout the duration of the pilgrimage,’’ the executive chairman added.

Muktar stressed that the forum was organised to inform critical stakeholders of the preparations made so far regarding the Hajj, and get inputs from the public to facilitate successful handling of the exercise.

“If you organise a forum like this, you are exchanging ideas, you are communicating information, you are hearing questions and answers, you are getting suggestions,’’ he said.

It was reported that over 6,000 intending pilgrims will perform the 2017 hajj from Kaduna state.