Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has engaged the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), on how to properly guide pilgrimsto perform the spiritual rites in the Kingdom.
The engagement involved officials of the ministry, representatives of the NAHCON and some states Pilgrims Welfare boards.
The Saudi authorities advised the Nigerian officials to ensure that Nigerian pilgrims always carried proper means of identification anywhere they found themselves within the Kingdom.
They specifically emphasised the need for pilgrims to always move around with their Nusuk cards to avoid harassment from law enforcement personnel.
They described the Nusuk card as a mandatory permit for performing Hajj for pilgrims from within or outside the Kingdom.
They said the Nusuk card was also important in locating pilgrims who might get missing in the crowd during the peak period of the Hajj rites.
The engagement also involved simulation on proper handling of certain medical emergencies during the peak period of Hajj.
Responding, the NAHCON Chairman, Amb. Ismail Yusuf, said the engagement was a good opportunity for Saudi authorities, field officers of the commission, and states to synergise for effective Hajj operation.
Yusuf, who was represented by his Technical Assistant, Ishaq Ja’e, described the three parties as the main players in ensuring proper performance of the Hajj rites.
“It is an interesting introduction by the Ministry of Hajj and it brought together all the major players.
“The simulations will greatly assist in preparing for the outing in Mashair. It is a commendable effort by the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah,” he said.
He urged the State Pilgrims Welfare Boards to work closer with the field officers and ensure a smooth and free Hajj exercise.
The Acting Executive Chairman, Adamawa Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Commission Malam Abubakar Saliu, described the engagementas as an opportunity to share knowledge with the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah officials.
“We came to refresh our minds on our plans and to also understand the plans of the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah as regards what to expect this year.
“We have learnt a lot. We have also shared our concerns with the the ministry and all questions have been answered to our satisfaction,” he said.
A member of Kwara State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, Dr Abubakar Agbaje, said the engagement was an eye-opener for Hajj officials across the states.
“Without this programme, it is like a blind man leading another blind man.
“That is is what will happen if the officials lack proper information on how to even help the pilgrims.”
