The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria, (NAHCON, ) Makkah Coordinator, Dr. Aliyu Abubakar Tanko,has confirmed that as at Tuesday this week, over 4,000 Nigerian pilgrims have arrived the holy City of Makkah, after their four day stay in the holy Prophet City of Madinah.
According to him,” The pilgrims were made up of those from Kebbi, Nasarawa States and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja who were the first to arrive in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for this year’s Hajj operation that started last week.
He however disclosed this to Freedom Radio Group, Kaduna Station from Makkah.
He added that all the pilgrims that have arrived were hearty, healthy and all and about without stress, as most of them performed the lesser Hajj and now are only waiting for the actual greater annual religious event, which is expected to commence in next three weeks.
Dr. Tanko however stated that as usual all necessary infrastructure and measures have been put in place to ensure peace, harmony, tranquility and comfort of Nigerian pilgrims in Makkah, which is a pre-requisit to a seamless, smooth and hitch free Hajj exercise.
The Makkah Coordinator further disclosed that when his team arrived the holy land days before the commencement of the airlift, they visited the Nigerian Consulate in Jeddah to rob minds with the Consul-General and staff on how best they could team up and chart a diligent course to serve the Nigerian pilgrims effectively and satisfactorily to make them have a pleasant memorable and unforgettable experience in the discharge of their religious rites.
Dr. Tanko, they have been told in no uncertain terms that this year the Saudi authorities have resolved to decisively deal and deny entry to Makkah, anyone without genuine and relevant Hajj visas.
He therefore advised states Hajj handlers to ensure thoroughness and diligence in the travel documents of their pilgrims to guard against any unpleasantries.
Airlift Hajj 2024 Makkah NAHCON Pilgrims