Hajj Operators are to obtain certification for future operations.
This was disclosed on Tuesday by Alhaji Zikrullah Kunle Hassan, the Chairman/CEO National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), during a courtesy call to the Hajj House by Nasrul-lahi-li Fathi Society of Nigeria (NASFAT).
He stated that the Hajj Operations/Services has become an industry and that in future, Hajj Operators and NAHCON Staff will require certification to take part in future Hajj Operations. The certification will be carried out through the proposed Hajj Training Institute that will be managed and maintained by NAHCON.
The Fourth Board of NAHCON is making frantic effort to reduce the Hajj Cost to the barest minimum.
The Chairman NAHCON said his recent meeting with Service Providers in Saudi Arabia gave him hope of achieving this.
He noted that reducing the cost of Hajj fare will not be easy but the Commission is determined to achieve the affordable Hajj pledge through cleaver financial engineering.
In line with his mission of making Hajj affordable for Nigerians, Alhaji Hassan said that through the Hajj Saving Scheme that the Commission will soon implement, Nigerians will be afforded the opportunity to save money over a period of time towards their Hajj Pilgrimage.
The money saved by the individuals will then be used in accordance with the Islamic tenets and accrued profits shared accordingly with all parties involved, including NAHCON.
Alhaji Hassan also restated the Commission’s determination to reduce the amount of days spent in the Holy Land during pilgrimage by negotiating with the Saudi Authorities.
During the courtesy call, Nasrul-lahi-li Fathi Society of Nigeria (NASFAT) was introduced as a faith-based charity organization that is involved in charity work within and outside Nigeria in the name of Islam. They are involved in both the education and health sectors with Schools and Hospitals owned by the organization all over Nigeria and abroad. They also operate a Hajj Tour company called TAFSAN Tours and Travels which is registered with NAHCON.
The President of the organisation, Alhaji Olaniyi Yusuf stated that their reason for their visit was to congratulate NAHCON, Chairman/CEO on his appointment and also offer the support of Nasrul-lahi-li Fathi Society of Nigeria (NASFAT) with its vast network both within and outside Nigeria.
They look forward to supporting the Chairman and NAHCON in its quest to make Hajj more affordable for the Nigerian Muslims.
The Head of TAFSAN Tours and Travels, Alhaji Yusuf also spoke during the visit where he commended the appointment of Alhaji Hassan as Chairman of the Commission and also praised the Commission for the quality service that is rendered to Nigerian Pilgrims and private service providers.
He stated areas where he believes that NAHCON can be of further assistance to TAFSAN Tours and Travels and wished the Chairman a successful tenure with Allah’s guidance and protection.
The Leadership of Nasrul-lahi-li Fathi Society of Nigeria (NASFAT) also presented to the NAHCON Chairman a plaque celebrating his appointment.
Alhaji Hassan thanked the leadership of Nasrul-lahi-li Fathi Society of Nigeria (NASFAT) for their support and coming to visit NAHCON and assured them of the continued working relationship and collaboration with Nasrul-lahi-li Fathi Society of Nigeria (NASFAT).
He wished them Allah blessings and guidance in promoting Islam to the world.