The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has announced that it will commence screening airlines for the 2023 Hajj operation in the first week of March. The Commission’s Chairman Alhaji Zikrullah Hassan stated this during an interactive session with journalists in Abuja.
According to Hassan, the interactive session with the media is aimed at fostering a deeper understanding with media professionals. He assured that the commission is working diligently to ensure that the 2023 Hajj operation is conducted smoothly, enabling Nigerian pilgrims to perform an acceptable Hajj rite.
NAHCON has already allocated Hajj slots to the 36 states of the Federation, the Federal Capital Territory, and the Armed Forces. The Commission’s Commissioner of Operation Alhaji Abdullahi Magaji-Hardawa said that they are determined to satisfy the expectations of the Nigerian pilgrims for this year’s Hajj.
The screening of airlines is one of the commission’s efforts to ensure that the Hajj operation is hitch-free. Hassan revealed that 95,000 seats have been given to NAHCON, and they have gone to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for their first pre-Hajj visit to familiarize and screen service providers.
Hassan added that after allocating Hajj slots to all states, the Commission will carry out other necessary processes before conducting another media interface. He also expressed optimism that this year’s Hajj will be conducted without any challenges by the grace of God.
The announcement is timely, indicating that preparations for the 2023 Hajj are well underway, and the Nigerian government is putting in all efforts to ensure a successful Hajj operation.