By Babalola Lukman, Abuja
The Secretary of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON)Alhaji Bello Tambuwal has denied an allegation levelled against the commission over the increase in the 2017 Hajj fare as a deliberate attempt to exploit Intending pilgrims from Nigeria.Alhaji Tawbuwal explained during an interactive session with Journalists on Tuesday in Abuja that National Hajj Commission does not have absolute power to fix Hajj fare as other stakeholders like Nigeria Supreme Council of Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Jamatul Nasirul Islam, Hajj screening committee and presidency were always consulted on any decision taken by the commission especially Hajj operations He said NAHCON as a regulatory agency only announce collective decision agreed upon by all relevant stakeholders in the Hajj operations. Alhaji Tambuwal commended the Nigeria press for their unalloyed supports to the Commission ,he enjoined journalists and social media users to always verify issues that concern the Commission from its management before publication.he further urged the media to help the commission to flush out illegal travel agencies who have been operating without been licensed by the commission.The Commission's secretary used the occasion to highlight activities of the commission and measures put in place for a hitch free 2017 Hajj operations. Alh.Tambuwal said about 97,000 slots has been awarded to Nigeria by the Saudi Arabia government for the 2017 Hajj,in which government have 75,000 slots and 20,000 goes to the private Hajj operators.He also explained that the commission has not receive the report on the stampede that occurred during the 2016 Hajj in the Holy where several Nigerian pilgrims lost their lives from the Saudi Arabia Authority. The Chairman Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) FCT Council, Comrade Paul Abechi in his remark,commended the management of NAHCON for identifying with the council, he explained that the interactive session was part of his administration agenda to make government agencies and Ministries accountable to Nigerians .The NUJ FCT Council Secretary, Mrs Rafat Salami also said the council have had the privilege hosting various Government institutions through platforms provided by the council to ensure accountability and service delivery to Nigerians. The media parley which was organized by Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) FCT Council had in attendance the union FCT Council chairman Comrade Paul Ella Abechi, Secretary of the Council, Mrs Rafat Salami and other members of the NUJ FCT Council,relevant Stakeholders,and management staff of NAHCON. .
NATIONAL HAJJ COMMISSION OF NIGERIA (NAHCON)
2015 ANNUAL PROGRESS REPORT
The Annual Progress Report of National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) for the year 2015 is presented as follows:
1) Introduction
2) Mandate
3) Achievements
4) Challenges and Prospects
5) Recommendation
6) Conclusion
1) Introduction
The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) was established by an Act of the National Assembly in October 2006. The Act was published in the official Gazette No. 66 Vol. 93 of 29th December, 2006. The Commission itself was established on 4th May, 2007.
2) Mandate
The Commission is mandated to, among other things:
a) License, regulate, supervise and perform oversight functions over organizations, associations or similar bodies engaged in organizing and coordinating the movement of persons from Nigeria to Saudi Arabia to perform the Hajj or Umrah.
b) Coordinate the provision of health, financial, security, customs, immigration and related services to persons proceeding to, or returning from Saudi Arabia to perform the Hajj and Umrah
c) Conduct educative and enlightenment campaigns on Hajj and Umrah, in all States of the Federation, and the Federal Capital Territory
d) Regulate and control in and/or outside Nigeria all matters of Nigerian pilgrims and to formulate policies in connection therewith
3) Achievements
i. Early Conclusion of Preparatory Activities for 2015 Hajj
The Commission was able to conclude necessary arrangements for 2015 Hajj on time which has contributed to the success recorded in the year under review. These arrangements included securing of Hajj slots for the year, effective management of the slots among the 36 State Pilgrims’ Welfare Boards/Agencies/Commissions, FCT the Armed Forces and Private Tour Operators and processing of traveling documents for the intending pilgrims.
ii. Successful implementation of the new E-track System
The Commission Successfully implemented the new E-track Visa Processing System, in spite of the numerous challenges associated with it. The insistence by the Saudi Government on full compliance with the E-track Hajj Management system even though laudable, came with challenges of continuous upgrade of the portal by the developers and this affected the process.
iii. Expanded Pilgrims’ Education and Orientation
The Commission, in 2015, expanded its pilgrims’ enlightenment activities by organizing a twelve-episode Radio and Television pilgrims’ enlightenment series in conjunction with NTA and FRCN. The programmes tagged “Hajj: A Journey of a Lifetime”, were aired over the network services of the stations to ensure wide coverage.
iv. Completion of the Saudi-bound Flights 3 Days before Closure of Airport
The airlift of Nigerian pilgrims into the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for the 2015 Hajj commenced in Kaduna on Sunday 23rd August, 2015 and continued till the last conventional pilgrim was airlifted on 17th September, 2015, three days before the closure of Jeddah Hajj terminal airport.
v. Completion of the Return Journey 3 Days before the Planned Date
The return journey commenced on 28th September, 2015 and was concluded on 24th October, 2015 three (3) days ahead of the planned date of completing the operations which was 27th October 2015, thereby setting record of finishing six (6) days before the closure of Jeddah airport to Hajj flights.
vi. Direct Landing at Madinah International Airport
Increase in the percentage of direct landing at Madinah international airport from 57% in 2014 to 64%. The direct flight operation into the Prince Muhammad International Airport (PMIA) in Madinah has saved the Nigerian pilgrims the rigours of traveling by road from Jeddah to Madinah.
vii. Tremendous Improvement in Pilgrims’ Accommodation in Madinah and Makkah
There was tremendous improvement in pilgrims’ accommodation in Madinah this year, as over 10,000 Nigerian pilgrims were accommodated in the prestigious Taiba Arac Suites, a 5-star hotel overlooking the Prophet’s Mosque. Even in Makkah, the accommodation improved remarkably, as Nigerian pilgrims were accommodated in 53 buildings classified as Category A as against 32 buildings of the same category last year.
viii. Improved Tent ‘C’ Services
During the 2015 Hajj season, the Commission resolved to situate all Hajj officials including the Commission’s leadership and Management in the Tent ‘C’ area where they utilized Tent ‘C’ services in Mina and Arafat in the same manner as other Nigerian pilgrims, for close supervision of the pilgrims and the services. This had very positive impact on all the parties involved.
ix. Improved Feeding
The quality of food has generally improved compared to the pilot scheme although there is room for improvement especially in terms of local flavour, taste of the food and special arrangements for those with special dietary needs. The Commission engaged Caterers duly accredited in the Kingdom to provide feeding services to Nigerian pilgrims at the airports, Makkah, Madinah and Mashair and only paid for meals with certificate of satisfactory delivery by the respective State Pilgrims’ Bodies.
x. Fantastic Performance of the Help Desk
The performance of the Help Desk in Makkah this year was fantastic as they were able to assist over 2,000 Nigerians who missed their way.
xi. The Turadudiyyah Transportation System
The resounding improvement recorded by Nigerians in using the Turaddudiyah (shuttle) transportation system, as the speed, efficiency and orderliness of Nigerian pilgrims in using the system this year were unprecedented.
xii. Improved Luggage Management
The 2015 Hajj recorded great improvement in the area of luggage management, as every pilgrim arrived home with his/her luggage on board the same flight, with no trace of missing or delayed luggage and no complaints.
xiii. Resolution of the Age-long Problem of Zamzam Water
The pilot scheme of purchasing Zamzam water in bulk and distributing it to the pilgrims on their arrival in Nigeria was highly appreciated by the pilgrims. About 82% of the pilgrims benefited from it.
xiv. Drop in Consular and Security Cases
There was great reduction in the Consular and Security cases recorded in the 2015 Hajj season due to increased vigilance and screening activities.
xv.Unabated Pilgrims’ Welfare in Spite of the Tragedies.
Despite the challenges, distraction and trauma of the incidents of the 2015 Hajj season, the Commission did not lose focus on other aspects of the Hajj operations such as pilgrims’ welfare, provision of medical services, accommodation, feeding, luggage management, airlift back home and coordination of their arrival at the various zones in Nigeria.
xvi. Licensed Tour Operators
There was general improvement in the management and services rendered by most Tour Operator Companies due to regulatory measures put in place by the Commission.
xvii. Effective Coverage of 2015 Hajj by Media Team
In order to reach out to the general public and ensure effective coverage of the 2015 Hajj operations, the Commission constituted a Media Team drawn from various media organizations (print and electronic) nationally and internationally including NTA, FRCN, AIT, Deutsche-Well, Daily Trust, Leadership and This Day. The Team gave extensive coverage to all aspects of the 2015 Hajj operation.
xviii. Medical Activities
Medical preparations commenced very early, with the short listing, screening and orientation of the medical team. For the first time, NAHCON began and completed recruitment of medical personnel during the month of Ramadan. It is sad to mention that the 2015 Hajj season witnessed the worst medical challenges as a result of the twin tragedy of crane crash and the Mina stampede. Despite the calamity, the Federal Medical Team continued to provide medical services to the pilgrims. During the 2015 Hajj, 14,547 patients presented and received treatment in our six clinics.
xix. Finances for 2015 Hajj
The Commission was able to operate within its approved budgetary provision in line with financial regulations and making substantial saving for Government. The budgetary provision for the Commission operations during 2015 Hajj comprised of onshore and offshore operational expenses. The sum of N497,081,132.00 was budgeted and wholly financed 100% through internally generated revenue by the Commission. Similarly, the sum of US$11,092,741.00 was provided for offshore expenditure out of which the Commission was able to generate the sum of US$3,598,565.00 representing 32% percent. While the Government funded the remaining balance of US$7,494,176.00 representing 68%.
xx. Umrah Activities
The Commission commenced Umrah activities for the 2015 Hajj season (license renewal and issuance) immediately the 2014 Hajj exercise was concluded. Periodic Umrah monitoring was conducted at both onshore and offshore levels to ensure compliance with the licensing guidelines. Two hundred and eighteen (218) companies have valid Umrah license in the country.
4) Challenges
a) Lack of implementation of Unified Electronic Pilgrims Registration System remains a big challenge in areas of accurate data capturing, aimed at among others addressing fraud and corrupt practices associated with securing Hajj slots across the country.
b) Lack of uniform operating procedures made some States adopt different approaches to issues which affected the planning and implementation of Hajj activities and this in turn affected the quality of services rendered to the pilgrims.
c) Some States of the Federation lack the enabling law, manpower facilities and equipment required to run an effective Hajj Management system. As such they rely on commercial outfits to carry out some sensitive activities of the Hajj exercise.
d) The lack of enabling environment for Nigerian businesses to operate in Saudi Arabia has made it difficult for many Nigerians to enjoy meals with local taste while on Hajj.
e) A good number of NAHCON medical equipment are obsolete and require replenishment; these include oxygen cylinders and surgical/dressing instruments.
Prospects
a) Enhancing pilgrims’ registration system
b) Upgrading Hajj departure centres
c) Development of the Commission’s Headquarters
d) Enhancing training and productivity of staff
e) Enhancing operational efficiency of the Commission
5) Recommendation
i. For efficient administration and management of Hajj, a robust Information Communication Technology (ICT) infrastructure is required. The application of the technology like EHRAMS Hajj Management Software developed and deployed by the Malaysia Tabung Hajj will ensure efficiency and transparency in slots allocation to individual pilgrim and block corrupt practices of all types.
ii. The Federal Government through its Ministry of Aviation should intervene in ensuring vital facilities such as night landing instruments, fire cover, fuel storage, security scanners and adequate staff are provided in Airports that have deficiencies of such.
6) Conclusion
It is obvious that, despite the tragedies that struck in Saudi Arabia during the Hajj season, the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) was able to conduct the Hajj exercise and other activities for the year 2015 successfully.
Thank you.
PRSILS Department
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