2021 Hajj: NAHCON Partners PTF On Safety Protocols For Pilgrims
The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) says strategic COVID-19 procedures to make the 2021 hajj operations safe and hitch-free for pilgrims will soon be made public.
To this end, the Commission is partnering with the Presidential Task Force (PTF) on COVID-19 and the Federal Ministry of Health on precautionary measures to protect Nigerian pilgrims during the exercise.
According to the Head, Public Affairs of NAHCON, Mrs Fatima Usara, with preparations in top gear for this year’s hajj, all intending pilgrims and officials of State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Boards have been urged to ensure strict observance of existing COVID-19 protocols.
A statement released by NAHCON in Abuja on Monday said the caution became necessary in order to curtail the virus spread currently witnessing its second wave in the country.
Usara explained in the statement that NAHCON “is awaiting further directives from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in reverence to its (the Kingdom) divine role as the custodians of the two holy mosques and its domain”.
She said NAHCON would continue to trust Saudi Arabia and applaud its courage in taking difficult decisions in the overall interest of Muslims globally, even when the adverse effects of such decisions are being borne by the Kingdom itself.
The NAHCON spokesperson assured that as soon as the Saudi authorities communicate new guidelines on the 2021 Hajj and Umrah, appropriate actions would be taken in the interest of all intending pilgrims.
The statement further said; “NAHCON joins millions of Muslims from all over the world in sharing the optimism that lies beneath the news of Saudi Arabia, lifting its suspension on international travels.
“As a people of faith, saddled with the responsibility of managing Hajj and Umrah travels from Nigeria, the news holds glad tidings for those hoping to embark on hajj and Umrah from Nigeria.
“As we look forward with high hopes on the possibility of the larger Muslim community performing hajj and Umrah in 2021, NAHCON will continue to await further directives from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.”
