The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has started a four-day post-Hajj event that will end with a stakeholders meeting and awards on Thursday, November 17, 2022.

On November 14, in the Hajj House, the headquarters of NAHCON, a meeting with State Pilgrims’ Welfare Boards, Commissions, and Agencies kicked off the activities. Then, on Tuesday, May 15, 2022, there will be a meeting with authorized tour operators. Discussions will center on the 2022 Hajj, an update on the refund that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is expected to make, the reconciliation of Hajj fares, and the direction that the Hajj Savings Scheme should take (HSS). An overview of the current Hajj preparations for 2023 was given.

Attendees included members of the state forum for executive secretaries.

A statement signed by Fatima Sanda Usara, Asst. Director, Public Affairs,
NAHCON reads:

“Alhaji Zikrullah Kunle Hassan, host of the events flanked by his three Commissioners, Secretary to the NAHCON Board and Chairman Forum of States, congratulated all members for having participated in 2022 Hajj because some countries could not attend the year’s pilgrimage. He stated that the Commission had reviewed the 2022 Hajj and will forward its report to the states for review and contributions in order to have a common stand. He expressed hope that all stakeholders have learned one or two lessons from the 2022 Hajj in order to avert a future reoccurrence of any mistakes. It will require all parties to pull resources together to accomplish greater success, Alhaji Kunle Hassan said.

“On reconciliation, Commissioner Alhaji Nura Hassan Yakassai, the Commissioner of Policy, Personnel Management and Finance informed members that the process has been concluded and documents signed between NAHCON and 33 states while three other states are yet to sign. Those yet to sign are Ondo, Osun and Taraba. He briefed that having to reconcile between NAHCON, states and now Ja’iz Bank additionally slowed the process down. While refunding has commenced based on request by states, the Commissioner disclosed that more states will receive their refunds based on the laid down procedures. According to the Commissioner, some states will refund NAHCON specific amounts of money.

“One of the issues of contention in the year’s reconciliation is theCentral Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN) 2% service charge. Alhaji Yakassai disclosed that NAHCON had accepted to bear 1% off the states but they were to note that from 2023, the standard CBN service charge is 2% unless there are new developments.

“As for the HSS, Alhaji Zikrullah Hassan remarked that the states and NAHCON have reached a degree of agreement and would announce their stand on the scheme shortly. The announcement will be done after the meeting on Wednesday, 13th November 2022. The Chairman also reminded the gathering that NAHCON had made a request for refund to the pilgrims’ establishment in Saudi Arabia before departing the Kingdom from the Hajj.

“Contributing, the Adamawa state Executive Secretary who doubles as the Financial Secretary of the Forum and Acting Secretary for the day’s activity, Alhaji Abubakar Sadiq Salihu, expressed gratitude to all NAHCON staff and his colleagues that contributed positively to the 2022 Hajj one way or the other. He reiterated the fact that the two bodies need each other to function effectively.

“On his part, the Taraba State Chairman of the state pilgrims’ office Alhaji Hamza Baba Muri, specifically appreciated a NAHCON staff, Mr. Umar Muhammad Kalgo over the tremendous assistance he offered the state board that enabled proficient movement of pilgrims’ luggage.”

She added that, the Chairman of the Forum of States, Mr Idris Almakura drew the attention of members to fate of pilgrims that lost their lives during the Hajj and the need to settle their debts and death certificates.

Related:

2022 Hajj, Matters Arising

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