The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria, NAHCON has said only intending pilgrims going to Hajj for the first time would be allowed to undertake 2016 Hajj pilgrimage.
NAHCON in a statement by its spokesperson, Uba Mana, on Wednesday, said the decision is “to give ample opportunity to those that have not performed the Hajj to discharge their obligation”.
Mr. Mana however, said “Hajj officials are hereby exempted from this restriction due to essential nature of their duties”.
He also said the decision was in line with Pilgrims’ Registration guidelines issued by the Commission recently.
“Similarly, all Pilgrims Welfare Bodies/Agencies/Commissions are expected to collect payment deposits from intending pilgrims and remit same to the Commission as and when due, in line with the 2016 Hajj calendar of events.
“Reservation of slots for any reason whatsoever, including Government Sponsored pilgrims beyond the stipulated deadline for pilgrims registration is strictly not acceptable as doing so will undermine Nigeria’s full compliance to the Saudi Hajj e-track requirement which usually results to loss of Hajj slots,” he said.
NAHCON also warned that all Pilgrims Welfare Body or Tour Operators who collects payment from any intending pilgrim for 2016 Hajj and is unable to take such person for Hajj for no fault of the intending pilgrim, will bear the additional cost that might arise in the process of conveying such a pilgrim for Hajj.
Mr. Mana said the positions were taken at the end of the 7th Board meeting of the Commission held on Thursday 14th April, 2016.
