By BASHIR ADEFAKA
“This is because thus far, Nigerians have been part of those admitted for Umrah and Nigeria has not been among countries barred from traveling to Saudi Arabia.”
The news from Saudi Arabia that 2021 Hajj will hold bears glad tidings for the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) and indeed the entire Muslim world, the commission has said.
It added that although final pronouncement of the Kingdom was still being awaited but that if international pilgrims will eventually be allowed to partake, intending pilgrims in the country will be part of it because Nigeria is not part of countries barred from traveling to Saudi Arabia.
The decision to perform Hajj resides with the authorities in Riyadh vis-a-vis the Presidency of the Haramain, the Two Holy Mosques of Makkah and Madinah.
Although no mention was yet made on the admissibility of foreign pilgrims for the Hajj season in the brief piece of information released by the Kingdom’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah on Sunday 9th May, however, the Commission holds high optimism that the custodians of the two Haramain will open their doors for international pilgrimage this year.
This was according to a statement titled, “News of Hajj 2021 holding gladdens Nigeria”, isued in Abija, on Monday, by Fatima Sanda Usara, the Head of Public Affairs, NAHCON, and copy of which was sent to The DEFENDER.
“As we await further communication on specific measures and organisational plans for the 2021 Hajj, NAHCON urges Nigerian intending pilgrims to continue exercising patience while remaining prayerful for positive outcome.
“If there are indeed plans for international pilgrims to participate, NAHCON is optimistic that Nigerian Hajj hopefuls will have slots even if with conditions.
“This is because thus far, Nigerians have been part of those admitted for Umrah and Nigeria has not been among countries barred from traveling to Saudi Arabia.
“Hence, NAHCON leadership reassures the general public, particularly registered intending pilgrims, that in its tradition, the Commission will adhere strictly to those measures and guidelines that will be stipulated by the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah. NAHCON is therefore charging other Hajj stakeholders and hopefuls to be ready to comply in order to ease the process for the country and host country such that will pave way for a successful Hajj operation despite time constraints.”
