* Quality service delivery our selling point – Dr. Badmus
* Why many people opt for Hajj despite economic downturn
Alhaji (Dr.) Mutiu Adewale Badmus, the Chief Executive Officer of Al-Hatyq Travels and Tours, has expressed happiness over the accomplishments recorded at the 2024 hajj operations, while admitting that it was better than the 2023 hajj.
In an exclusive interview with Muslim News in his Ikeja, Lagos office on Thursday, 26th September, 2024, Dr. Badmus stated his optimism about the 2025 hajj being even more fulfilling for intending pilgrims that will embark on the spiritual journey with his company.
He said: “For me, last year was very successful, and we had an impressive turnout. However, this was far better, and we are hopeful that next year will even outdo this year. Although it was not perfect, there was a great improvement from the last experience.
“This year’s hajj was characterised by innovation that made the experience seamless. NAHCON was novel. They employed innovation to a great advantage. New approaches and facilities were put in place to ensure that the travel operations and hajj rites were hitch-free. For us at Al-Hatyq, 2024 was better in comparison to 2023.”
…Despite late increment in Hajj fee
Dr Badmus, popularly known as the Celebrity Hajj Operator, observed that although the last-minute increment of hajj fee by NAHCON thwarted the dreams of many to participate in 2024 Hajj, there was still a difference in the turnout, compared to last year.
“There was a difference in the turnout we had this year, even though it was not that much. Last year, we had 135 pilgrims on the journey, but this year, we had 142. We also have over 50 who could not make up their payment due to the late increment of the fee. We do installment payments at Al-Hatyq Travels and Tours, and many have been making financial commitments, but the last-minute increment hindered their plans.
“They still have their deposits with us but couldn’t complete their payment. In 2023, Hajj fare was N3.5M, but in 2024, it was 8.5M. So the difference was beyond the expectation of many. That accounts for the decrease in the expected turnout. However, there was still a large turnout, compared to last year. Naturally, one would expect that the number should drop drastically because of the national economic realities but we still recorded a greater turnout.”
The CEO, who boasts more than 20 years of experience in the travels and tours business, said it’s not surprising that many Nigerians will choose going for hajj at any given opportunity amidst economic downturn, attributing it to the significance of the fifth pillar of Islam as a once-in-a-life time spiritual experience.
According to him, “People prefer to go for hajj at any given opportunity. Immediately you see some people, you will know they can’t come up with such a huge amount. They would love to go, despite the economic situation. They believe that Allah answers their prayers in the holy land, and things will get better when they return. That strong belief that prayers will be answered is the drive, and it is enough.”
… Readiness to key into Saudi’s polices for Hajj
Dr. Badmus urged colleagues in the hajj industry to key into the policies introduced by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia government and cooperate with the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria, NAHCON, adding that they are meant to ensure the good of all.
“I think each time the Saudi Hajj and Umrah Ministry come up with a policy, we should try to know what informed it. For hajj 2025, they’ve already come up with the number of agents that will be accredited in Nigeria, and the reason is to ensure control and decorum. Hajj operations were more coordinated in 2024 than in previous years because registration closed about 2-3 months before hajj.
“It was easier to control and plan the whole process. So, whenever those policies are put in place, we should consider the reason behind them, and if they have drastic effects on anyone, complaints should be made through appropriate channels. We all want flexibility, but we should endeavour to key into the policies because they are for the good of everyone. Agents who aren’t accredited should join forces with accredited agents.”
The helmsman of Al-Hatyq Travels and Tours Ltd, a subsidiary of Freefly Travel Management Ltd, restated his company’s readiness to comply with Saudi Arabia’s policies towards successful hajj operations in 2025.
According to him, “As we speak, a lot of preparations are going on in the background ahead of 2025, and we are also ready to key into whatever NAHCON and the Kingdom come up with. Last year, Al-Hatyq Travel and Tours Ltd worked with Al-Rahama Hajj & Umrah services and the situation may be the same for 2025 operations.”
… Quality service delivery is our selling point at Al-Hatyq
Dr. Badmus reiterated that quality service delivery is Al-Hatyq’s selling point, which is evident in referrals they receive from their clients, especially Nigerian celebrities, who keep coming again.
He said, “I told you (Muslim News) in our interview last year in Makkah that our unique selling point is the quality of our service. We promise our clients [quality service], and we have to deliver. You can’t afford to go back on your promises.
“We don’t want our name to be dented, so making money is not our primary goal. We have staffers in Nigeria and Saudi Arabia, to ensure that we render A-grade services to our pilgrims. We ensure that our clients get something very close to the comfort they are used to.
“At Al-Hatyq Travels and Tours Ltd, like I said earlier, quality service is always our big flex. We have clients who have been loyal to us for years. They keep with their contacts and acquaintances because they enjoy our services. They refer, and that’s an indication of their satisfaction. We intimate you on the itinerary and adhere strictly to it. We have different categories of people, including those in the private sector, who apply for leave and cannot stay beyond the time scheduled, so there is no room for compromise,” he continued.
… Some of the celebrities that performed Hajj with Al-Hatyq
Dr. Badmus mentioned celebrities and elites who have travelled with Al-Hatyq to include Alhaji Taiwo Hassan (Ogogo), Alhaji Wasiu Alabi (Pasuma), King Sulaiman Alao (Malaika) and Alhaji Shefiu Alao (Omo-Oko). Last year, we had Alhaja Mercy Meenah Aigbe and her husband, Alhaji Kazeem Adeoti (Adekaz), Alhaja Kemi Afolabi and Alhaja Kemi Korede.
“This year, we went to Hajj with celebrities such as JJC Skillz, DC Operations Lagos Police Command, Alhaji Abdul-Quadri Kareem Aridunnu, among many others,” he said, noting that they keep coming because of the quality of service they get. He explained that the above accounts for why many refer to Al-Hatyq as the Celebrity Hajj Operator.
… Plan for Umrah package with Al-Hatyq
He disclosed that the activities of the agency include umrah package, with plans ongoing for December 2024 umrah, the two phases of Ramadan 2025 Umrah and Hajj.
“At the moment, we are planning for December 2024 umrah, and you know when we go for umrah in December, we use the opportunity to sort the accommodation for Ramadan umrah, the same way we sort accommodation for hajj 2024 at locations close to Haram in Makkah and Masjid Nabawi in Madinah.
“For now, we have envisioned the number of pilgrims that will be going to Hajj with us and arranged with the airlines for tickets, and every other logistics. These are arrangements that cannot be made at the last minute, except one wants to fumble. We know those who are committed already, and we can guess the outcome of our adverts on the radio and other channels, so we have made preparations accordingly.”
He also urged whoever has interest in December umrah, which will run from December 25 through January 4 to conclude registration before the November 10 deadline.
“Between now and the next hajj, we’ll have 3 umrah exercises. For December umrah, for instance, the forms have been *rolled* out, and people are registering already. We will take off on the 25th December and return on the 4th January, so the registration is on already, and 10th November is the deadline.
He noted that the procedure is seamless, adding that there is an advantage for Al-Hatyq pilgrims.
“For hajj 2025 as well, we’ll be leaving on the 29th May and return on the 11th June. The main procedure is to avail us of your international passport and make your payment. I’ll say that whoever wants to go for any of the above and wants quality service devoid of disappointments and compromises should come to Al-Hatyq Travels and Tours.
“You can check our social media handles to see the reviews from our clients. We promise and deliver. Moreover, we have an advantage, Freefly Travel Management which is a subsidiary of Al-Hatyq issues all the tickets. We make it seamless for you, unlike some other operators who will tell you to book tickets elsewhere,” he said.
The agency, under the management of Dr Badmus, also runs Freefly Travel Management Ltd, where tickets are issued for prospective clients to embark on conventional travel services to the US, UK and other countries.
He said, “While Al-Hatyq caters for religious pilgrimage to Makkah, Madinah and Jerusalem, Freefly Travel Management is saddled with conventional travelling. Our head office is located at 75, Awolowo Way, Ikeja, Lagos. We also have branches in Epe, in Lagos State; Ilorin, Kwara State; Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State and Ibadan, Oyo State.
“Whoever wants to travel with us can visit our web pages, social media handles, or call our hotlines; 08034069272, 09062449976, 09062449977, 09062449978, 09062449979, 09062449980, 09062449981, and 09062449982,” he added.
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