• Says visa processing on course
The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria, NAHCON, has described as misleading a report in the Leadership newspaper of Friday, June 9 stating that over 45,000 Nigerian pilgrims may miss this year’s hajj due to non-availability of travel visas to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
The Deputy Director, Information and Publication of the Commission, Mal. Mousa Ubandawaki, in a statement made available to Muslim News, also stated that the report was mischievously aimed at causing panic and apprehension among intending pilgrims in particular and the public in general.
According to him, Truly, there was a technical problem relating to the visa processing, but it has been resolved at the moment. Visa processing is ongoing. In the last two days, visas to state pilgrims have been steady, and no flight has been cancelled due to visa issues. Thus far, over 35000 Nigerian pilgrims are in the Holy Land, while the remaining intending pilgrims are expected to be airlifted in the next 10 days.
Mal. Ubandawaki noted that it is interesting to note that out of 75,000 slots more than 58,000 visas have been processed so far for Nigerian intending pilgrims.
“Of these, 20,000 visas were issued between yesterday and today while the remainder will be processed by tomorrow. Despite the hiccup, the Commission is committed to concluding the airlift operation to Saudi Arabia before the 20th of this month.
“As a matter of fact, all the states that are scheduled to fly are on course to do so without any disruption related to visa procurement. Moreover, considering our resolve to airlift all our pilgrims to visit Madinah before Arafat and the need to synchronize the airlift with the available accommodation in the city and not to overcrowd the place, the commission was cautious of pushing more pilgrims out.
“In conclusion we want to urge our partners in the media that while it is critical for them to push the interest of Nigerian pilgrims, they also should be conscious of the fact that they might be indirectly creating worry and anxiety for the hapless intending pilgrims.
“We therefore urge the public and the intending pilgrims to disregard the news report which is meant to cause disaffection, panic and anxiety among Nigerians. We want to reiterate our commitment to airlift every eligible Nigerian intending pilgrim to the holy land not only in good time but also in comfort and best welfare service”, he added.
