NAHCON Chairman visits Saudi Ambassador for bilateral talks on Hajj operations, flight ban
The Chairman, National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Alhaji Zikrullah Kunle Hassan, Tuesday 25th January 2022 led a high powered NAHCON delegation to the Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia in Nigeria.
According to NAHCON’s Head of Public Affairs, Fatima Sanda Usara, the visit was to discuss issues of mutual benefit to both countries regarding Hajj and Umrah operations.
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It was also to press on the federal government’s request for the lifting of flight ban into Saudi Arabia; a request already advanced through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and other sister agencies.
Addressing His Excellency, Mr Faisal Bin Ibraheem Al-Ghamidy, the Saudi Arabian Ambassador to Nigeria, NAHCON Chairman appreciated the constant mutual support and cooperation NAHCON and indeed Nigeria has been enjoying with the Kingdom.
Alhaji Hassan encouraged the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to reconsider the direct entry ban in the interest of Nigerian intending pilgrims for Hajj and Umrah who are NAHCON’s primary constituency.
The Chairman also expressed gratitude for the efforts being made by the Saudi Arabian authorities towards compensating families of the crane crash victims as promised.
In his response, His Excellency, Mr Faisal Al-Ghamidy, warmly welcomed the entourage to his office. He revealed his hope that the said flight suspension on Nigeria into the Kingdom would soon end.
He pledged his country’s support to Nigeria whenever necessary.
On the issue of crane crash compensation, the Ambassador responded by saying his country is prepared to ensure the compensation is handed over to the heirs or their representatives soonest as long as the requirements are complied with.
Among the NAHCON Chairman’s entourage are Commissioner of Operations, Alhaji Abdullahi Magaji Hardawa, Commissioner of Policy, Personnel Management and Finance, Alhaji Nura Hassan Yakassai, NAHCON’s Secretary to the Commission, Dr Rabi’u Abdullahi Kontagora and Special Assistant to the Chairman, Dr Danbaba Haruna.
