Chairman, National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Alhaji Zikrullahi Olakunle Hassan has expressed optimism that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia authorities would allow Nigeria and other countries participate in the coming 2021 Hajj.
He expressed this optimism in a statement issued on Monday by the Commission’s Head of Public Affairs, Fatima Sanda Usara, noting that the news from Saudi Arabia that Hajj, the fifth and the last pillar of Islam, will hold this year bears glad tidings.
Muslim News reports that the emergence of the novel coronavirus disease disrupted many programmes including the Hajj rites last year, as the custodians of the two Haramain closed doors to international pilgrims.
Only few selected persons within Saudi Arabia were allowed to perform Hajj, the fifth and last pillar of Islam, with the authorities drawing other nationals resident in Saudi to represent their various countries.
The statement by NAHCON reads: “The news from Saudi Arabia that 2021 Hajj will hold bears glad tidings for the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) and indeed the entire Muslim world. Although no mention was made on the admissibility of foreign pilgrims for the Hajj season in the brief piece of information released by the Kingdom’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah on Sunday 9th May, yet, the Commission holds high optimism that the custodians of the two Haramain will open their doors for international pilgrimage this year.
“As we await further communication on specific measures and organisational plans for the 2021 Hajj, NAHCON urges Nigerian intending pilgrims to continue exercising patience while remaining prayerful for positive outcome. If there are indeed plans for international pilgrims to participate, NAHCON is optimistic that Nigerian Hajj hopefuls will have slots even if with conditions. This is because thus far, Nigerians have been part of those admitted for Umrah and Nigeria has not been among countries barred from travelling to Saudi Arabia.”
NAHCON leadership meanwhile reassures the public, particularly registered intending pilgrims, that it will adhere strictly to measures and guidelines that will be stipulated by the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah.
“NAHCON is therefore charging other Hajj stakeholders and hopefuls to be ready to comply in order to ease the process for the country and host country such that will pave way for a successful Hajj operation despite time constraints,” the statement concluded.
