By Mikail Mumuni in Madina
*Photo: Alhaji Ibrahim Mahmud ( middle ) during a media chat on Saturday*
The Madina Coordinator of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) Operations, Alhaji Ibrahim Mahmud has said things are going on smoothly.
Alhaji Mahmud stated this on Saturday night at the Commission’s Operational Base in Madina, during an interview with members of the NAHCON Media Committee at which he announced that the first batch of Nigerian Pilgrims already in Madina would be moving to Makkah on Sunday.
This, he said are the pilgrims from Nasarawa, the FCT and Kebbi State who formed the the inaugural flight from Nigeria on 15th of May, 2024.
The Madina Coordinator said he and team are conscious of the charge by the NAHCON Chairman/CEO, Malam Jalal Ahmad Arabi to the Advance Party, to ensure that there were no hitches in receiving and attending to pilgrims in Madina.
According to Alhaji Mahmud, ” As the Chairman said, when the Advance Team get it right, the whole Hajj Operation itself will be smooth and seamless. “
He recalled that this was why the team hit the ground running upon arrival in Madina and immediately held meetings with the Adillah and other Saudi Service providers to register NAHCON’s presence, see what the service providers have in stock for the pilgrims and compare notes on how there would be synergy.
The Madina Coordinator said the various teams comprising those in charge of receiving the pilgrims at the airport as well as the Acommodation, Feeding, Media and Medical Teams are operating as a chain to ensure the Nigerian pilgrims are well taken care of.
Alhaji Mahmud said no major challenge has been encountered since Nigerian pilgrims started arriving in Madina and commended members of the various NAHCON committees for their diligence.
