Why I Visited Islamic Clerics Upon Assumption of Office– NAHCON Chair

By Alabidun Shuaib AbdulRahman

The Chairman and CEO of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Alhaji Jalal Ahmad Arabi, has clarified that his recent visits to prominent Islamic leaders and clerics are part of a consultative effort to strengthen the Commission’s preparations for the 2024 Hajj.

In a statement released on Monday, Arabi, as cited by Mousa Ubandawaki, the Commission’s Deputy-Director of Information and Publication, emphasized that the success of the Hajj is a collective responsibility.

He stressed the need for all stakeholders in the Hajj industry to collaborate as a team in achieving this success.

Arabi highlighted the crucial role played by Islamic leaders in the success of the Hajj in Nigeria and sought their support and cooperation in achieving the Commission’s objectives for Nigerian pilgrims. “Success can only be achieved through consultations and teamwork,” he stated.

Recall that upon taking office, the Chairman/CEO had promised to engage and consult with industry stakeholders to achieve success.

As part of this consultative effort, Arabi visited several spiritual leaders, including Maulana Sheikh Qaribullahi Nasiru Kabara of the Qadriyyah sect in Kano, Maulana Sheikh Dahiru Usman Bauchi, the spiritual leader of the Tijaniyya group, Dr. Abdullahi Bala Lau, the leader of JIBWIS, and Sheikh Muhammadu Sani Yahaya Jingir (JIBWIS) in Abuja and Headquarters in Jos.

In response to the Chairman’s visit, these Islamic leaders expressed their support for the Commission’s new leadership and pledged to utilize their expertise and experience to assist in achieving a seamless Hajj operation in 2024. They also conveyed their appreciation for the Chairman/CEO’s visit.

During his visits, the Chairman/CEO was accompanied by notable figures including Dr. Aliyu Modibo, the former Minister of FCT and Special Adviser to the President on Special Duties, Barrister Abdullahi Muhammad Mukhtar, the former Chairman/CEO of NAHCON, Mallam Abdulaziz Abdulaziz, Special Adviser to the President on Print Media, and some personal aides of the Chairman/CEO.