It was not, however, a complaint galore as the pilgrims also gave the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria thumbs up in places where successes were recorded in the 2022 Hajj. These include areas of preparations for the Hajj where pilgrims recognised the quick interventions of the commission in making sure that recommendations and guidelines released as criteria to meet up for the operations by Saudi Arabia authorities became fruitful.
The Saudi Arabia ministry of Hajj and Umrah gave an unexpected notice for the commencement of the Hajj and this was largely due to the two years none performance occasioned by the coronavirus (COVID-19) health pandemic that led to the lockdown of the world. Though indications were given of the possible performance of the operations, the official decision was communicated to NAHCON barely three months for the number of seat allocated, price and accommodation arrangements. And to top it all, new rules that where not part of the Hajj operations were introduced by the Saudi authorities.
These include arrangements for payments to accepted companies through a new system that was abrupt and feeding of pilgrims in Arafat and Mina camps. In spite of all this, NAHCON was able to meet its obligations to intending pilgrims that have paid money two years ago and the new ones, especially those of the private tour operators.
The pilgrims also commended the rising to the task of the commission in ensuring that the emergency nature of the 2022 Hajj standards did not lead to lowering of standards in basic welfare of pilgrims; such as getting accommodation near the two Holy mosques in Madinah and Makkah. Many pilgrims got their Basic Travelling Allowance (BTA) in dollars even within the short notice for the exercise.
Pilgrims also lauded the fact that more than 90 per cent of pilgrims shortlisted for the operations were able to make it in spite of the odds of delayed or cancelled flights by some states pilgrims welfare boards at the initial stage of departures from Nigeria.
***If used, please credit the writer and the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)
Source: NAN News