By BASHIR ADEFAKA
The suspension of flights from Nigeria to Saudi Arabia hopefully will hopefully come to an end soon as Ambassador of Saudi Arabia to Nigeria, His Excellency Faisal Al-Ghamidy, received Chairman of National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Alhaji Zikrullah Kunle Hassan, in his office at the Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia, in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital on Tuesday.
The NAHCON chairman had, on Tuesday 25 January 2022, led a high powered delegation of the agency to the KSA Embassy for purposes, which include discussing issues of mutual benefit to both countries regarding Hajj and Umrah operations.
Hajia Fatima Sanda Usara, the NAHCON’s Head of Public Affairs Unit, in a statement she sent to The DEFENDER, said the meeting was also to press on Federal Government’s request for the lifting of flight ban into Saudi Arabia, a request already advanced through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and other sister agencies.
Addressing Mr. Faisal Bin Ibraheem Al-Ghamidy, the Saudi Arabian Ambassador to Nigeria, the the chairman appreciated the constant mutual support and cooperation NAHCON and indeed Nigeria have been enjoying with the Kingdom.
Alhaji Hassan encouraged the KSA to reconsider the direct entry ban in the interest of Nigerian intending pilgrims for Hajj and Umrah who are NAHCON’s primary constituency,” the statement said.
The Chairman also expressed gratitude on the efforts being made by the Saudi Arabian authorities towards compensating families of the crane crash victims as promised.
In response, Ambassador Faisal Al-Ghamidy warmly welcomed Alhaji Hassan and his entourage to his office, while revealing the hope that the said flight suspension on Nigeria into the Kingdom would soon end.
He pledged his country’s support to Nigeria whenever necessary.
On the issue of crane crash compensation, the Ambassador responded by saying his country is prepared to ensure the compensation is handed over to the heirs or their representatives soonest as long as the requirements are complied with.
Among the NAHCON Chairman’s entourage are Commissioner of Operations, Alhaji Abdullahi Magaji Hardawa, Commissioner of Policy, Personnel Management and Finance, Alhaji Nura Hassan Yakassai, NAHCON’s Secretary to the Commission, Dr Rabi’u Abdullahi Kontagora and Special Assistant to the Chairman, Dr Danbaba Haruna.
Other photos from the visit below:
