Ahead of 2024 Hajj operations, the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria ( NAHCON) has called on the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria ( FAAN) to as a matter of urgency put in place necessary facilities at the country’s Hajj departure zone to ensure a seamless airlift operation during the forthcoming Hajj exercise.
The Ag.Chairman/CEO of the Commission, Malam Jalal Ahmed Arabi. OON. FWC, made this demand when members of FAAN’s Hajj Committee paid him a courtesy visit in the Board Room of the Commission on Tuesday (November 28, 2023) in Abuja.
The Chaitman, according to a statement signed by the NAHCON Deputy Director of Information and Publications, Alhaji Mousa Ubandawaki, said that the provision of necessary navigation equipment and facilities at Hajj departure centres across the country would facilitate a seamless Hajj Airlift.
“You are a formidable partner in Hajj operation. Though, there are certain considerations put in place during Hajj airlift and we expect you to tell us the state of the various Airports used for Hajj Airlift”
According to him, the Committee should be time conscious as they would have limited time to carry out their assignments, going by the the time line set by Saudi Arabia for all nation to conclude all Hajj arrangements early.
Earlier in his address, the leader of the deligation, who is the Director Airport Operations, Captain Mukhtar Yusuf Muye, said that the Authority has commenced preparations for the 2024 Hajj about two months ago so that they can achieve a hitch free operation.
He assured that the exercise would be complete before the commencement of Hajj airlift in the 16 departure Airports across the Country.
Capt. Muye ,however, urged the Commission to persuade the Tour Operators companies to comply with the arrangements of Airlifting their pilgrims through the international Terminals instead of the Hajj Terminal as that denies the Authority of valuable revenue that they supposed to generate for the purpose of providing the neccessary infrastructural facilities at the airports.
He assured the Commission of the Authority’s commitment to discharge its duties diligently so that the Nigerian Pilgrims can enjoy a hitch- free airlift during the 2024 Hajj Operation.
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