‘NAHCON never blamed closure of Saudi portal for low pilgrims turnout’

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has debunked media reports that its chairman, Barrister Abdullahi Mukhtar Muhammad, blamed the Saudi government for low turn-out of pilgrims due to early closure of the Kingdom’s Hajj portal. A statement by the commission’s Head of Public Affairs, Fatima Sanda Usara, said NAHCON’s chairman did not blame the […]

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has debunked media reports that its chairman, Barrister Abdullahi Mukhtar Muhammad, blamed the Saudi government for low turn-out of pilgrims due to early closure of the Kingdom’s Hajj portal.

A statement by the commission’s Head of Public Affairs, Fatima Sanda Usara, said NAHCON’s chairman did not blame the Kingdom for closure of Hajj registration portal during a recent chat with pressmen in Abuja.

NAHCON therefore cautioned journalists against straining the good diplomatic relations between Nigeria and Saudi Arabia.

The statement said, “The Commission would like to clarify that at no time during the interview did its distinguished Chairman, who reveres the relationship between Nigeria and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, come anywhere close to blaming the Kingdom for closure of Hajj registration portal.

“In fact, in so many instances, he justified the closure seeing that an extension for the deadline was obtained thrice.

“Instead, he blamed Nigerian pilgrims’ attitude of treating Hajj registration with a lackluster manner, waiting until the last minute to make efforts for registration.

“Those present at the forum would testify that several times during the interview, the NAHCON’s head appreciated the Saudi government and its mission in Nigeria for their support on Hajj and Umrah matters.”

The statement added that Barrister Muhammad “distinctly said when it comes to Hajj, they wait until the last minute. He further expressed hope that henceforth, Nigerians may learn to prepare for Hajj well ahead of time, seeing how it affected late comers this time.”

“True, some Nigerians’ late Hajj registration attitude has always been a major setback to Hajj planning in the country. The Commission had hoped that the new Saudi policy that sets a deadline to closure of Hajj portal will motivate intending pilgrims to finally have a change of attitude from the typical,” it said.