NAHCON, Saudi coy sign agreement on Hajj services, secure discount

By Salisu Sani-Idris

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) and the Mutawwif Company of African Non-Arabs, known as Muassassah, have signed an agreement on services to be provided during the 2023 Hajj operation.

The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of NAHCON, Alhaji Zikrullah Hassan, made this known in a statement by the commission’s Assistant Director, Information and Publications, Mousa Ubandawaki, on Sunday in Abuja.

Hassan said one of the major highlights of the meeting was the commitment made by the Muassassah to upgrade the feeding and Catering Services at the Mashair at a five per cent discount over what was paid in 2022.

According to him, based on the agreement Nigeria will pay less than what it was charged in 2022.

“The pacts signed by the NAHCON boss Hassan and the Chairman of Mutawwif Company, Ahmad Sindy, is part of the preparation for this year’s Hajj which is due in late June and is a follow-up to the earlier meeting held between the two teams.

” The pact focuses on the roles expected of the two parties during the Hajj.

“It also covers the services to be provided to the pilgrims in the areas of enlightenment, guidance, movements and transportation, especially during the Mashair.”

Hassan recalled the ugly experience Nigerian Pilgrims went through during the 2023 hajj at the Mashair, which he said should not be repeated.