Arabi Meets Stakeholders in Saudi, Discusses Strategic Plans for 2024 Hajj

By Alabidun Shuaib AbdulRahman

In a series of high-level meetings held in Saudi Arabia, the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) under the leadership of the Acting Chairman, Malam Jalal Arabi has unveiled strategic plans for a seamless and cost-effective 2024 Hajj pilgrimage for Nigerian Muslims.

Following a productive Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signing, Malam Jalal Arabi engaged in three crucial meetings to disseminate key outcomes from discussions with the Saudi Foreign Minister.

Arabi emphasized the urgency in plans due to limited time, urging all contingents to intensify efforts in finalizing essential aspects of the Hajj pilgrimage.

Fatima Sanda Usara, in a statement on Monday, revealed that the meetings extended into the early hours of Monday, 7th January, lasting until 1:30 am Saudi Arabian time.

Usara highlighted key discussions, including proximity to Jamrat in Mina, expansion of tent city, cost negotiations for pilgrims, facility standards among others.

Notable points from the meetings:

– Arabi conveyed information from the Minister of Hajj and Umrah that early payment of a deposit guarantees NAHCON proximity to Jamrat in Mina.

– The issue of space in Mina was addressed collectively, with the Kingdom exploring ways to expand the capacity of Tent City.

– State Executives Secretaries/Chairmen were guided to negotiate cost-effective services for their pilgrims through service providers’ open market, and individual state Hajj fares will vary based on accommodation and feeding costs.

– States were instructed to plan individual menus for negotiations.

– Arabi cautioned against compromising standards, stressing that NAHCON’s facilities’ inspectors would not compromise on quality.

In a separate development, Malam Arabi commended Private Tour Operators for their collaborative spirit, urging written commitments for future reference.

He advised them to explore liberalization in selecting Mutawwif services that best serve pilgrims’ interests.

NAHCON plans to visit various entities, including Mutawwif companies, GACA, Car Syndicate for Pilgrims’ transportation, Adillah in Madina, to negotiate favorable terms and significantly reduce the overall cost of the 2024 Hajj fare.