Shettima Advocates for Improved Pilgrim Comfort in 2024 Hajj

By Alabidun Shuaib AbdulRahman

Ahead of the 2024 Hajj operations, Nigeria’s Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, has taken a resolute stance in advocating for improved comfort and well-being for pilgrims, said Mousa Ubandawaki in a statement.

Shettima made the stance during a high-profile meeting with the management board of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Wednesday.

According to Ubandawaki, Senator Shettima left no room for doubt regarding his dedication to the welfare of Nigerian pilgrims, noting the primary concern of the Vice President centered around the Saudi authorities’ decision to provide meals for Nigerian pilgrims during the five-day Hajj rites in the Kingdom.

Given the evolving global climate and challenging weather conditions, Senator Shettima emphasized the necessity for the Kingdom to reconsider this approach.

Shettima remarked that, “It is essential for the Kingdom to review its feeling mechanism in the masha’ir with weather and climate change. Many of the Pilgrims if not fed with their local delicacies might not have the physical strength to perform the spiritual exercise which is the main purpose of Hajj. I will therefore urge you to appeal and persuade them to temper the economic consideration in favor of the well-being of the Pilgrims”.

The Vice President, whose office now oversees NAHCON, therefore, commended the management board for the successful completion of the 2023 Hajj and encouraged them to intensify educational and enlightenment efforts in preparation for the 2024 Hajj, aiming for a smooth and trouble-free operation.

Alhaji Zikiruah Kunle Hassan, the Chairman/CEO of NAHCON, in his remarks, provided the Vice President with an overview of the 2023 Hajj and outlined the steps being taken to prepare for the 2024 Hajj.

Despite facing challenges during the 2023 Hajj, Alhaji Hassan credited the Vice President’s support, especially in facilitating fund transfers to the Kingdom, for their successful resolution.

The Chairman also highlighted several accomplishments achieved by the board since its establishment in 2020, including the Hajj Savings Scheme (HSS), the Hajj Institute of Nigeria (HIN), and initiatives aimed at bolstering the Hajj economy.

Accompanying the Chairman were key members of NAHCON, including Alhaji Nura Hassan Yakassai, Commissioner in charge of Policy, Personnel, Management, and Finance (PPMF); Alhaji Abdullahi Magaji Hardawa, Commissioner in charge of Operations and Licensing; Sheikh Suleman Momoh, Commissioner in charge of Planning, Research, Statistics, Information, and Library Services (PRSILS); Dr. Rabiu Kontagora, Secretary of the Commission, and various other management staff.