As part of the activities for the smooth running of the forthcoming 2023 Hajj exerxise, the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) today (January 14, 2023) commenced the screening of 155 companies for accommodation and Catering Services.
The screening which is being conducted by a committee headed by Dr Bala Muhammed of the Department of Mass communication, Bayero University,Kano, who represents the Jammat Nasirl Islam (JNI) on the board of the commission.
Other members of the committee according to a statement signed by the NAHCON Assistant Director Information and Publications, Alh Mousa Ubandawaki and made available to newsmen, includes three representatives of the Forum of State Chairmen/Secretaries (Lagos, FCT and Plateau states) and representatives of Association of Hajj and Umrah Operators of Nigeria (AHUON).
Over 100 companies submitted application for the provision of accommodation and Catering Service in Makkah and Madinah.
Before a company can be cleared, it must meet the the criteria of having a share capital of not less than SR 5 Million (Five Million Saudi Riyals) for Accommodation and SR2Million (Two Million Saudi Riyals) for Catering Service.
In addition, successful company must show evidence or proof of ownership or Lease Agreement and must also have a working agreement or partnership with a Nigerian entity, while a cognitive experience of 5 years and most importantly with Nigeria is an added advantage.
The breakdown of the list of Applicants showed that 38 Companies applied for the Makkah Accommodation, while 16 applied for the Madina Accommodation, 77 companies applied for Feeding of pilgrims in Makkah and 24 companies bidded for Madina Pilgrims.
The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria NAHCON, the 36 State pilgrims welfare boards Agencies Commissions and the Tour operators were to pick from the list of successful companies for the provision of accommodation and Catering Services during the 2023 Hajj.
