NAHCON Insists on Strict Adherence to Luggage Policy as Pilgrims Begin Return to Nigeria

By Alabidun Shuaib AbdulRahman

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has made a firm commitment to ensure strict compliance with its luggage policy by pilgrims during their return journey to Nigeria.

Alhaji Abdullahi Magaji Hardawa, the Commissioner Operations, Inspectorate and Licensing of the Commission, conveyed this message during a post-Arafah meeting on Sunday in Makkah.

Expressing concern over last year’s breach of the luggage policy, Hardawa warned such violations would not be tolerated this year in order to achieve a seamless operation.

He highlighted that NAHCON has implemented a three-window approach to luggage handling over the years, including a hand luggage limit of eight kilograms, a thirty-two kilograms luggage allowance, and provisions for excess luggage.

These measures, he said, have been put in place to facilitate the movement of pilgrims and ensure efficient luggage handling at airports.

The Commissioner expressed dismay at the behaviour of some pilgrims, particularly female pilgrims, who arrive at the airport with multiple bags masquerading as hand luggage.

He declared that such practices would not be accepted this time.

Hardawa, therefore, urged state pilgrim officials to inform their respective pilgrims about this position to prevent inconveniences and unnecessary delays at the airport.

He further stated that in order to avoid the risk of losing valuable items at the airport, pilgrims must adhere to the forty kilograms luggage policy or make use of the cargo window.