The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has called for mutual dialogue towards address challenges and concern arise from service provision for Nigerian pilgrims in Saudi Arabia.
Besides, the Commission appealed for constructive engagement and continuous consultation among stakeholders to resolving issues in a timely manner.
Ostensibly reacting to concern raised by some private tour operators who lamented over what they described as substandard mattresses and extremely tight spaces allocated to private Hajj operators in the tent city of Mina, Makkah, Saudi Arabia.
The operators had told journalists that the condition of the bedding and the limited spacing between mattresses were not comfortable enough for pilgrims to put up for the next five days period in Mina.
Some of the operators said they would draw the attention of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) to the situation, urging the service provider to urgently improve the quality of mattresses and expand the spacing before pilgrims arrive in Mina on Monday.
Reacting to the concerns, NAHCON in a release acknowledged that concerns may arise in the course of preparations for an operation as large and complex as Hajj but called for constructive engagement to finding solution to challenges.
“It is also important to note that the selection and allocation of Mashair service providers for this year’s Hajj were largely guided by the preferences and choices expressed by participating states during consultations with the Commission”. The statement said.
NAHCON therefore urges all stakeholders, including State Pilgrims’ Welfare Boards and officials, to prioritise dialogue, collaboration, and solution-driven engagement with service providers rather than resorting prematurely to the media over concerns that are still being addressed through established operational channels.
The Commission further encourages states to work closely with service providers on-site to identify gaps, improve arrangements where necessary, and ensure that the comfort, safety, and welfare of Nigerian pilgrims remain paramount.
NAHCON reassures all intending pilgrims that it will continue to monitor service delivery in the Mashair and engage all relevant stakeholders towards ensuring a successful and hitch-free Hajj exercise.