The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has directed State Pilgrims Welfare Boards, Agencies and Commissions to extend deadline for the payment of the 2017 Hajj fare by one week.
The Executive Chairman of NAHCON, Alhaji Abdullahi Mohammad gave the directive at the contract signing ceremony with 2017 approved Hajj air carriers on Friday in Abuja. Mohammad said that the extension became necessary to enable the intending pilgrims have more time to pay up the outstanding balance of their hajj fares.
According to him, Hajj is a divine call and therefore, NAHCON must do everything to ease the path and pain of the people with a view to ensure more people complete their payments. He described the contract signing as an important milestone, adding that the event was a big step towards the commencement of transportation of pilgrims to Saudi Arabia.
Mohammad said that the success of hajj operation largely depended on effective transportation of intending pilgrims, adding that it could make or mar the success of the 2017 hajj exercise. The NAHCON boss, however, expressed confidence and trust in the ability of the approved airlines to deliver on their mandate.
“We have utmost trust and confidence in your capabilities to deliver and give the best services to Nigerian pilgrims,” he said. Mohammed appealed to the airlines to work together as a team and see each other as partners on national assignment. The executive chairman also expressed appreciation to the Federal Government as well as the state pilgrims’ boards for their support and cooperation in the screening and appointment of the airlines.
Speaking on behalf of the approved airlines, the Chief Executive Officer of Med-View Airline, Alhaji Munir Bankole, thanked the commission for the confidence and trust reposed on them. Bankole assured of their commitment and determination to make the 2017 hajj operation very successful.
Three airlines that sealed the 2017 Airlift Agreement are Med-View Airline, Max Air and Azman Airline.
The Azman Airline is participating in the transportation of pilgrims for the first time, while FlyNas, the Saudi Arabia designated airline is expected to sign up later in the week.
-NAN
