IHR Calls on NAHCON to Announce Start Date of Inaugural 2024 Hajj Flight

Edited by Afolabi Hannah

The Independent Hajj Reporters (IHR), a faith-based civil society organization dedicated to monitoring and reporting on Hajj activities, has urged the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) to promptly announce the inaugural flight date for Nigerian pilgrims traveling to Saudi Arabia in 2024. In a statement issued on Sunday by its national coordinator, Ibrahim Mohammed, the IHR highlighted the importance of NAHCON following the tradition of announcing the date, location, and the specific states from which pilgrims will be transported during Nigeria’s inaugural flight to Saudi Arabia.

Expressing concern over the approaching deadline for visa issuance, the IHR emphasized that most major Hajj participating countries have already publicized the dates for their initial pilgrim flights. The organization pointed out that countries like Indonesia, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Malaysia, and Ghana have all announced the commencement dates for their Hajj airlift operations. For instance, Indonesia is set to start airlifting its pilgrims on May 12-23, 2024, with subsequent batches departing on later dates. Similarly, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Malaysia, and Ghana have also disclosed their respective start dates for the airlifting of pilgrims.

The IHR criticized NAHCON for the delay in announcing the commencement of Nigerian pilgrim flights, noting that timely communication is essential for effective planning and coordination of Hajj operations. The organization highlighted the need for transparency and proactive communication from NAHCON to ensure a smooth and well-organized pilgrimage experience for Nigerian Hajj pilgrims.