Expressing contentment with the 2024 Hajj operation despite initial challenges, the National Association of Retired Hajj Administrators of Nigeria (NARHAN) consists of former Executive Secretaries of States Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Boards and seasoned veterans of Hajj endeavors at the national level.
Following the 2024 review meeting on July 20, the association, represented by its chairman and former Yobe State Pilgrims Commission chairman, Alhaji Bukar Kime Dapsa, Secretary Bako Apapa, a previous Executive Secretary of Edo State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, and the Group’s Technical/Media Adviser, Ibrahim Muhammed, jointly issued a statement lauding the key successes and identifying areas necessitating further enhancement in future exercises.
“Commending NAHCON, airlines, and pertinent stakeholders for smoothly executing the 2024 hajj airlift operations with minimal hurdles, signifies significant progress in the Nigerian Hajj Industry. Despite health service challenges stemming from a severe heatwave encountered by pilgrims, particularly in Masha’ir areas, the medical team provided crucial services, deserving divine rewards,” the association remarked.
The association also acknowledged advancements in catering and a proportionate rise in Tent ‘D’ occupancy in Mina this year in contrast to previous experiences.
“However, advocating for a more proactive strategy in accurately monitoring the pilgrim numbers and efficiently managing their services, particularly considering pilgrims’ payment for all Hajj services, including the call for heightened transparency concerning financial interventions during Hajj operations, remains crucial. The demand for tightening the gap fostering uncertainty leading to varied sums of BTA payments from states to pilgrims this year was also emphasized,” the statement further read.
Pledging to oversee the 2025 Hajj preparations under the purview of State Pilgrims Welfare Boards, the retired administrators vowed to contribute their wealth of experience and expertise toward educating Nigerian pilgrims and Hajj officials on averting operational conflicts during the pilgrimage.
“In line with our mission, NARHA plans to host a Hajj press conference soon to emphasize critical areas necessitating prompt action from the apex Hajj regulatory body to ensure a transparent approach to the 2025 Hajj,” they pledged.