Tag: Hajj

  • HAJJ: 2,151 FCT 2024 Pilgrims already in Medinah

    HAJJ: 2,151 FCT 2024 Pilgrims already in Medinah

    By Joyce Remi-Babayeju

    The Nigerian Federal Capital Territory Administration has so far airlifted a total number of two thousand one hundred and fifty one of it intending Pilgrims to the kingdom of Saudi Arabia to perform this year’s pilgrimage.

    The Board revealed this after it airlifted the seventh flight of the Pilgrims from the Nnamdi Azikwe international Airport, Abuja Nigeria’s capital to Medinah, Saudi Arabia.

    The flight, Air Peace flight APK7916 departed Abuja to Madinah @ 15:03 hrs Nigeria time with 310 FCT Pilgrims and other from the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria, NAHCON.

    The flight comprised of a total of one hundred and eighty five (185, ) male and one hundred and twenty five ( 125) female.

    The seventh flight carrying the FCT contingents is expected to land in Prince Mohammed Bin Abdulaziz International Airport @ 8pm Nigeria Time.

    While commenting on the development, the Director of the Board, Malam Abubakar Adamu Evuti appreciated the effort and support the Board has received from the administration so far towards hitchfree 2024 Hajj rites by Pilgrims from the territory.

    Evuti, who disclosed that the administration has also secure a befitting accommodation in Makkah for the intending pilgrims, added that this singular initiative would enable the intending pilgrims to perform their five daily obligatory prayers at the holy Masjid with ease.

    He assured the Pilgrims that experienced and committed officials were mobilized for the operation to ensure optimum service delivery, so that the intending pilgrims attain Hajj Mabrur.

    Evuti then warned that the board would not tolerate any act of indiscipline, as anybody found wanting during the exercise would have himself or herself to blame.

    He, therefore called on the pilgrims to be good ambassador of Nigeria in their host country by be law abiding throughout their stay at the Holy land.

    It could be recall that a total of 2,977 pilgrims will perform this year’s Hajj in the kingdom of Saudi Arabia from the Federal Capital Territory.

    Meanwhile, a total of 2,15 have so far been airlifted, the remaining eight hundred and twenty- six are expected to be airlifted soon.

    The airlift of the first set of the 2024 Pilgrims from the FCT commenced on the 15th May, 2024.

  • Again, CSO Urges Nigerian Authorities to Begin Registration of Hajj 2024 Intending Pilgrims Immediately.

    Again, CSO Urges Nigerian Authorities to Begin Registration of Hajj 2024 Intending Pilgrims Immediately.

    By Jabiru Hassan, Kano.

    Independent Hajj Reporters (IHR), a Civil Society Organisation (CSO) that monitors and reports on Hajj and Umrah activities have called on the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) and States Muslim Pilgrims Boards in Nigeria to immediately begin the registration of intending Pilgrims for Hajj 2024.

    IHR in a statement Monday in Abuja, signed by its National Coordinator, Ibrahim Mohammed said the call became necessary due to the change in the Calendar of Hajj activities by the Saudi Arabian Ministry of Hajj and Umrah following the conclusion of Hajj 2023.

    According to the calendar, the authorities in the Kingdom expect all Hajj participating countries to conclude all arrangements for Hajj 2024 including visas by March next year. The implications of this is that all Hajj countries will have to register pilgrims, collect payments and sign agreements with service providers before that date.

    The reality of 2024 Hajj preparations do not give room for delay, especially in Nigeria where the system operates a one-year Hajj plan – an extremely compacted activity that has caused so much confusion in the quest to create an enduring standard Hajj operating environment in Nigeria.

    “The era of countries taking their time to conclude all plans often till the last minute is over. “Competent authorities, especially NAHCON), should immediately order states to commence the registration of pilgrims and give suitable deadlines working with the country’s 95,000 slots “It is our believe that failure to do this will end up causing unnecessary confusion and create panic in the system ahead of 2024 hajj,” IHR said.

    The CSO also said many top Hajj participating countries such as Pakistan, Kuwait, Qatar, Indonesia and Bangladesh have kick-started registering pilgrims.

    “The latest change of calendar is good for all countries because they will have at least three months to conclude all logistic arrangements because the exact number of pilgrims for the annual pilgrimage is known” “NAHCON, States and Private Tour Operators now have an opportunity to finalize accommodation and flight arrangements ahead of time. Even bed and tent slots can be allocated ahead of arrival to Saudi Arabia, thereby, solving the problem encountered this year,” the CSO added.

  • Hajj 2023: CSO Lauds Stakeholders, Calls For Review, Early Preparations For 2024 Hajj

    By Jabiru Hassan, Kano.

    As the Hajj 2023 comes to an end for Nigerian pilgrims, the Independent Hajj Reporters (IHR), a civil society organisation that monitors and reports Hajj and Umrah activities, has called for a quick review of this year’s Hajj operations with a view to taking proactive measures that will ensure a smooth 2024 Hajj.

    This call is contained in a statement signed by the National Coordinator of IHR, Malam Ibrahim Muhammed, and made available to newsmen in Abuja on Tuesday.

    The statement read, “We acknowledge the efforts and support jointly extended to the cause of 2023 Hajj exercise by the Nigerian Hajj Stakeholders, especially the apex Hajj regulatory body – the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), States Muslim Pilgrims Boards and Agencies, appointed Hajj Carriers, security agencies, para-military establishments, NGOs and volunteers, in making 2023 Hajj a relative success,” the organisation declared.

    The CSO added that it equally noted the efforts of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, his Vice, Kashim Shettima, and other diplomatic officials towards the success of 2023 Hajj. “We equally commend the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for its commitment towards the welfare of guests of Al Rahman.

    “Transporting about 95,000 Nigerians to another country and returning them back safely is not an easy task. At the same time, housing over 2.5 million pilgrims from 163 Hajj participating countries for over a period of two months by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is an extraordinary achievement”.

    In the same vein, airlifting 72,189 pilgrims from a single airport in 28 days by five Hajj carriers is a great effort and we commend all those involved in this feat”. IHR however advised that the challenges of poor services experienced in 2023 Hajj must be reviewed and addressed with a view to avoiding similar unfair experiences.

    The only way to avoid the challenges encountered, particularly in Mashaer, is to quickly and logically begin preparations for 2024 Hajj in line with the newly released Calendar of events by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. “Sentiments and self-interest should take a back seat in the planning of 2024 Hajj,” the statement said.

  • CSO To NAHCON, States: Commence Registration Of 2024 Hajj Pilgrims In Earnest

    CSO To NAHCON, States: Commence Registration Of 2024 Hajj Pilgrims In Earnest

    By Jabiru Hassan, Kano.

    Given the early release of the 2024 calendar of events by the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, the Independent Hajj Reporters (IHR), a civil society organization that monitors Hajj and Umrah activities in Nigeria and Saudi Arabia, has advised the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) to begin the registration of intending 2024 Hajj pilgrims immediately.

    The organisation advised in a statement signed by its National Coordinator, Malam Ibrahim Mohammed, today in Makkah. IHR noted that the announcement of the 2024 calendar of events less than a week after the 2023 Hajj period has created a new Hajj operating system for Hajj-participating countries who are desirous of being part of next year’s Hajj.

    “With this announcement, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has indirectly rendered the usual one-year-at-time registration of pilgrims ineffective because the Ministry of Hajj has now made it operationally mandatory for countries to complete all arrangements for the next Hajj four months after the current Hajj.

    IHR said more important is a new policy of allotment of tents in Mina on to “first to ready, first to get” basis – thereby creating the need to fast-forward preparations for the 2024 Hajj.

    The statement further advised NAHCON, states Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Boards, Hajj and Umrah Operators to immediately begin preparations for the services to provide the pilgrims during the 2024 Hajj.

    The yearly process of preparations for Hajj is anchored on providing memorable services during the 5-days of Hajj – being days when Hajj rites are performed.

    We must be prepared because the Hajj exercise will not get better by chance. For example, applying for airline slots, allotment of tents in Mina, provision for pilgrims’ accommodation both in Makkah and Madinah, funding of visa accounts and meeting all other financial obligations, required having a pool of funds that can be easily utilised.

    The ‘pay-as-you-go’ system of pilgrim registration is operationally obsolete and NAHCON and states Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Boards should immediately commence the registration for the 2024 Hajj and roll out a plan of action.

    The Ministry of Hajj has so far communicated to some Hajj participating countries approving the normal quota for 2024 Hajj – meaning that Nigeria will retain its 95,000-Hajj quota.

    For the 2024 Hajj, the Minister of Hajj said preparatory meetings would start on Rabi Al-Awwal 1, 1445AH, corresponding to September 16, during which the electronic track would open for data entry, and the list of licensed companies would be published.

    More importantly for Nigeria Airlines, the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) will activate the financial portfolio of the electronic track in the same month.

    “The preparatory meetings will be completed and service packages will be made available on Rabi Al-Thani 20, 1445AH, corresponding to November 4, 2023, after which the display of Hajj and Umrah services will be launched.

    The minister said that the allotment process of pilgrims’ accommodation in Makkah and Madinah and the Holy Sites would be finalized by Shaban 15, 1445AH, corresponding to February 25, 2024 – an exercise that is less than 8 months from now.

    The issuance of visa will start from Shaban 20, 1445AH, corresponding to March 1, 2024 – which is just eight (8) months away,” the statement read.

    “The announcement that the Visas portal will be closed on Shawwal 20, 1445AH, corresponding to April 29, 2024, means that pilgrim’s registration and documentation must be concluded in 10 months in Nigeria.

    The first batch of 2024 Hajj pilgrims is expected to arrive in Saudi Arabia on the Dhul Qada 1, 1445AH, corresponding to May 9, 2024, – 10 months away,” IHR stated. Going by the challenges of service delivery experienced this year, IHR said it is apparent that the one-year Hajj rolling plan being practised in Nigeria is no longer compatible with the operational plan rolled out by the Ministry of Hajj last week. Hence, the need to begin pilgrims’ registration.

    Preliminary discussion with Saudi-based service providers on accommodation in both Makkah and Madinah, Transport syndicate services and feeding arrangements need to commence along with the return airlift process.

    Nigeria, as the fifth largest global Hajj contingent and highest delegation in Africa, cannot operate “pay today, travel tomorrow” Hajj arrangements, when its counterparts operate five to six years of Hajj rolling plans. There is a need to start here and now, the statement emphasised.

  • 2023 Hajj: 4,384 FCT Pilgrims Ready to take off from Mina to Saudi Arabia

    2023 Hajj: 4,384 FCT Pilgrims Ready to take off from Mina to Saudi Arabia

    By Joyce Remi-Babayeju

    At least 4,387 FCT Hajj pilgrims from Abuja are ready to take off from Mina for the 2023 Muslims Pilgrimage to perform the Hajj Ritual in Saudi Arabia.

    The Chairman of the FCT Ministerial Team 2023/1444 A.H, Mallam Bashir Muhammad, on Monday, at Mina, Saudi Arabia said , “This number is out of the 2.6 million pilgrims expected to perform this year’s pilgrimage in the Holy Land, Saudi Arabia.

    Muhammad said that the FCT contingent was conveyed to Saudi Arabia via a total number of 14 flights.

    The Chairman reiterated that every Hajj exercise comes with its peculiar challenges, adding that this year’s is not different.

    According to him, the FCT contingent will remain the good Ambassadors of Nigeria they are known for.

    He revealed that arrangements are on top gear to ensure seamless movement of FCT pilgrims to the Arafat Plain tomorrow, Tuesday.

    The Chairman commanded the FCTA and the Permanent Secretary, FCT, Mr. Olusade Adesola, for the tremendous support to the FCT pilgrims.

    Director, FCT Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, Mallam Abubakar Adamu Evuti, expressed optimism that with the firm arrangements put on ground, the Board is expecting a hitch-free Hajj exercise.

  • Tent Scarcity: HAJJ Reporters Calls For Urgent Action

    Tent Scarcity: HAJJ Reporters Calls For Urgent Action

    By Jabiru Hassan, Kano.

    Independent Hajj Reporters (IHR), has observed with dismay the lack of spaces for Nigerian pilgrims to this year’s Hajj in Mina camp leading to thousands being stranded, as contained in a statement signed and issues to newsmen by the CSO’s National Coordinator, Ibrahim Mohammed.

    Our initial findings show that the lack of space for the pilgrims was as a result of two major issues and lapses. Firstly, the Muassasa allocated the same number of tent to Nigerian pilgrims this year as they did last year. However, while the Nigerian contingent to Hajj 2022 was about 45,000, Saudi Authorities allocated 95,000 slots this year.

    It therefore, makes no sense that the same spaces are allocated for the two contingents. Secondly, the Saudi based security personnel deployed to man the tents in the area allocated to Nigerian pilgrims opened the entrances much earlier than the arrival of real pilgrims and the fake ones, mostly made up of illegal immigrants from Nigeria, popularly called “, Tukari” took over the spaces.

    We noticed that the fake pilgrims went as far as producing fake wrist bands and trackers to hoodwink the security personnel. IHR therefore, in the interim suggest that all officials from the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) and the 36 states and FCT should vacate the tents they are presently occupying to allow stranded Nigerian pilgrims to stay there temporarily.

    Priority should be given to only female officials. Also, NAHCON and the states should immediately go into action by screening all pilgrims inside the tent in order to weed out all fake pilgrims.

    IHR is also sad to note that there was very poor supply of food to the pilgrims on the first day of stay in Mina. Most of the caterers brought food very late. We call on NAHCON to blacklist these caterers against future Hajj operations.

  • CSO Salutes Exemplary Patriotism, Cooperation Of Hajj 2023 Air Carriers.

    CSO Salutes Exemplary Patriotism, Cooperation Of Hajj 2023 Air Carriers.

    By Jabiru Hassan, Kano.

    The Independent Hajj Reporters (IHR), a civil society organization made up of Nigerian journalists who monitor and report activities in the Hajj and Umrah industry has saluted what it describes as the “Exemplary Patriotism” and full cooperation shown by airlines selected by the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) for this year’s pilgrimage.

    NAHCON had selected seven Airlines including Max Air, Azman, Air Peace, Aero Contractors, Ari Air, Value Jet and Saudi based Flynas for the airlift operations of Hajj 2023.

    Payments to these airlines for the airlift exercise was agreed on United States Dollars as is the norm in international travels.

    A statement released Saturday by IHR, signed by its National Coordinator, Ibrahim Mohammed said it is aware that based on the agreement reached with the Airlines, NAHCON was expected to pay at least 50% of the total amount due to them ahead of the commencement of the airlift of intending pilgrims.

    “We are aware that after receiving all deposits from across the states, FCT and the armed forces, NAHCON had gone ahead to deposit these monies into its accounts at the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

    “The normal practice is for the apex bank to provide the dollar equivalent of monies deposited based on the approved official rates for disbursement by NAHCON to meet its obligations.

    However, we are sad to note that in spite of repeated appeals, the CBN could not provide the needed foreign exchange equivalent not just before the commencement of airlift on May 25, but almost 3 weeks after.

    “It is, however, gratifying to note that after receiving assurances of payment whenever the USD is made available, the airlines have gone ahead to not just offer full services, but is so far doing a wonderful job.

    Over 50,000 pilgrims have so far been airlifted to Saudi Arabia by the airlines who are yet to get the needed funds from Nigerian authorities.

    This is most commendable and patriotic,” the statement says. IHR also notes that following relentless efforts of various stakeholders and coupled with recent change of leadership at the CBN, the necessary authorisation have been received and NAHCON is set to get the due amounts for disbursements.

    “We urge all concerned to ensure everything that is needed to be done ahead of the second leg of the airlift that is expected to begin immediately after the Hajj rites is done” IHR said.

  • Hajj: Fireworks as Hajj Airlift Entered “Zooming Speed’

    Hajj: Fireworks as Hajj Airlift Entered “Zooming Speed’

    By Ibrahim Muhammed.

    “Mishaps like past mistakes are like knives, that either serve us or cut us and it primarily depends on how we grasp them either by the blade or the handle” Anonymous.

    The airlift of Nigerian pilgrims to Saudi Arabia for the 2023 hajj exercise is progressing amidst some challenges here and there.

    The zooming speed by which the airlift is moving contradicts the operational limitations brought upon by a longer number of hours, using of a lesser capacity of aircraft by some appointed Hajj Carriers and also the visa processing logjam caused by financial bureaucratism within the frame of international forex transaction at CBN.

    Reading the voluminous messages received from intending pilgrims in Hajj Reporters’ social media inboxes may tempt you into believing that Nigerian pilgrims are yet to arrive in Saudi Arabia for this year’s Hajj.

    The tension-soaked anxiety complaints on whether they be airlifted to Saudi Arabia before the closure of Airports are justified when you consider the Hajj 2022 incidents.

    However, despite the apprehension on the part of intending pilgrims and the challenges of delay in issuance of visas; the slow pace caused by ferrying pilgrims with lesser capacity Aircraft by Air Peace, the frustrating delay in commencement of airlifts by Azman and the twin incident involving Max Airline within this airlifts, Over 49, 246 pilgrims ( as at the time of writing this piece) have been transported from Nigeria to Saudi Arabia in an exercise that involved 117 flights operations from 9 airports within 21 days.

    Taking an objective view of the hajj airlift connotes calculating the roles of all stakeholders in the airlift process. For example, the responsibility of NAHCON as the apex hajj regulatory body, the responsibility of Hajj Air Carriers selected by NAHCON and appointed by FG to airlift Nigerian pilgrims.

    The fundamental responsibilities of States Muslims Pilgrims welfare boards in mobilizing pilgrims provide timely data to process pilgrims travelling documents, timely payment of pilgrim’s hajj funds to NAHCON, the roles of CBN in facilitating the transfer of funds and providing needed forex for pilgrims BTA, the roles of appointed Hajj officials working at various embarkation points actions the departing Zones, the timely provision of Aircraft by appointed Hajj Air carriers and roles of security and screening agencies.

    The Hajj exercise is a multifaceted operation where its successes and its failures depend on several variables. For example, it is the responsibility of NAHCON to ensure timely implementation of procedures to process visas for applicants subject to timely payment of hajj fare for intending pilgrims and early transfer of such to NAHCON as at when requested.

    Immigrations service are to provide the E-passport as at when due to the applicant’s pilgrims, Customs, NDLEA, NAFDAC, Port Health Authority, and Security Agencies played critical roles in the screening of pilgrims at embarkation points.

    It is the responsibility of CBN to effect the transfer of such to International Bank accounts as when requested by NAHCON and this also is subject to the availability of forex and other bureaucratic factors.

    By and large, NAHCON’s non-reliance on first options might have yielded a positive result as seen in the fast pace progress recorded so far.
    However, IHR will continue to keep tabs on the appointed airlines, especially those who failed to operate with the Aircraft specified in the airlift agreements they signed with NAHCON.

    Airlifting over 47,000 pilgrims in 110 flight operations within 20 days from 9 embarkation points showed that NAHCON has learned something from the 2022 hajj airlift dilemma.

    Worthy of note, also is the decision by NAHCON to increase the number of Air Carriers this year. While there were only three carriers last year, namely, Max Air, Azman and Flynas, the number was increased to seven this year with the introduction of Air Peace, Aero Contractors, Arik Air and Valuejet Airlines.

    This has given the states flexible options of carriers to choose from and has enhanced healthy competition. This year, NAHCON didn’t wait for the 11th hour before it invoked and implemented what I called ‘internal rescue’ of Airlines whose pilgrims are lagging.

    Yes, NAHCON seems to have grasped the knives of past years’ mistakes by the handle. What is Internal rescue and why the ‘internal rescue’, you may query? Internal rescue as I called it occurred when an appointed airline failed or delayed beyond certain hours to position its aircraft to airlift its allotted pilgrims or when such airlines have indicated that it may not be available for the scheduled airlift.

    In such situations, NAHCON will direct another airline to fly the allotted pilgrims of that airline to save pilgrims from unwarranted psychological distress.

    The inaugural flight this year was an ‘internal rescue operation by Max Air because NASARAWA pilgrims are allocated to Aero Contractors. The first batch of Jigawa pilgrims airlifted by Max was also a rescue operation due to an untimely delay by Azman Airline.

    Flynas has also rescued Nasarawa pilgrims when Aero contractors failed to show up on schedule. Aero contractors itself has airlifts Kaduna, FCT pilgrims on an ‘internal rescue’ operation “Takes no chance and gives no opportunity for later day story” is primarily behind the fast and relatively smooth movement of the airlift we are witnessing currently.

    IHR, an NGO which yours sincerely coordinate is yet to receive complaints regarding the provision of BTA to pilgrims as happened last, which means, despite the reported scarcity of forex, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has been able to meet its obligations to Nigerian Pilgrims on BTA.

    The 2023 outbound airlift is a remarkable improvement from last year based on the comparable statistics so far and I urge that all associated observed lapses MUST be addressed immediately.

    Of most importance is the safety of pilgrims and everyone involved, therefore, any “technical” issue affecting any airline must be thoroughly looked into and addressed according to global best practices.

    As often known, the key word in Aviation is SAFETY! SAFETY AND SAFETY!!! However, NAHCON, States Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Boards and Hajj air carriers must adhere strictly to the return manifest to allow those on the first leg out to be airlifted on the first leg in.

    Management of pilgrim’s hand luggage should be given priority as being done before to reduce the time frame of screening at King Abdulaziz international airport. The airlift continues…… 14th June 2023

  • Gov Kabir Dismisses 44 Local Councils Hajj Officials In Kano

    Gov Kabir Dismisses 44 Local Councils Hajj Officials In Kano

    Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano State has approved the dismissal of centre officials responsible for Hajj affairs in all 44 local government areas of the state.

    The governor also appointed interim officers to oversee the ongoing operations and coordinate the pilgrimage for the year 2023.

    In an official statement issued on Sunday, the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Sanusi Bature Dawakin-Tofa, conveyed the decision and the subsequent instructions for the interim local Hajj officers to assume full responsibility.

    The statement also directed the newly appointed centre officers to report to the recently appointed Director General of Kano State Pilgrims Welfare Board for an emergency meeting on Sunday, June 4, 2023, at the board’s headquarters.

    The move comes as part of the new government’s efforts to restructure and streamline the management of the Hajj affairs in the state. Mohammad Abba Danbatta, who formerly held the position of Director General of the State Pilgrims Welfare Board, has been replaced by Laminu Rabiu Danbaffa.

    Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf emphasized the importance of effective governance and accountability in Hajj operations, stating, “We are committed to ensuring that the affairs of Hajj are conducted in a transparent and efficient manner. This restructuring is necessary to enhance the experience of our pilgrims and uphold the sanctity of this important religious duty.”

    The officials have been relieved of their duties with immediate effect, paving the way for the interim officers to assume control and oversee the coordination of the pilgrimage process. The governor’s decision aims to streamline the operations and ensure a smooth journey for the intending pilgrims.

    The new Director General, Laminu Rabiu Danbaffa, expressed his commitment to the task at hand, saying, “I am honoured to have been appointed to this position, and I am fully dedicated to implementing the governor’s vision of a well-organized and efficient Hajj process. I look forward to working closely with the newly appointed centre officers and the entire team to ensure a successful pilgrimage for our esteemed pilgrims.”

    The emergency meeting scheduled for Sunday will provide an opportunity for the Director General and the new centre officers to discuss their roles, responsibilities, and future for the Hajj operations.

    It is expected that these changes will lead to improved services and a more seamless experience for the pilgrims from Kano State.

    As the preparations for the 2023 Hajj continue, the Kano State government remains committed to prioritizing the welfare and safety of its pilgrims, while also upholding the values and significance of this religious obligation.

  • Hajj Operation Committee Held Meeting For Better Performance

    Hajj Operation Committee Held Meeting For Better Performance

    By Muhammad Ibrahim,Sokoto

    The constituted Members of the sub committee on Hajj Operations constituted by Sokoto State APC Incoming Administration Transition Committee has held a meeting for better Hajj operations this year.

    Shortly after the meeting, Dr Bello Muhammad Tambuwal Formar Secretary National Hajj Commission of Nigeria NAHCON,who serve as the Chairman of the committee promised to do what is expected of them during the operation proper.

    He said as personalities who are conversant with Saudia and and problems expected of intending Pilgrims,they would do their best to counter the problems.

    Other members of the committee are Ibrahim Umar JJ Former Director General Pilgrims Welfare Agency PWA_Sokoto Vice-Chairman and MD Kabiru Marafa Hubbare Mallam Umar Alkanchi, Dahiru S. Yamma, Khadi Muhammad Sambo, Sheikh Abdul-Aziz Kofar Rini, Mallam Yahuza Shehu and Alhaji Umaru Madawaki and Faruku Umar to serve as Secretary.