By Umar Muhammad Puma
A lawmaker in the House of Representatives has commended the Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia in Nigeria for its proactive efforts in the exercise of its statutory duties to solidify relations with Nigeria.
Rep Abdullahi Balarabe Salame (APC Sokoto), gave the commendation in a press statement released yesterday in Abuja.
Salame, who is the Chairman of the House committee on Nigeria-Saudi Arabia Parliamentary Friendship and hajj affairs, said the committee is particularly happy with early opening of portal and commencement of pilgrims registration by the Saudi authorities and subsequent extensions of time granted, which allowed for more Nigerians pilgrims to be captured.
Salame explained that this has “undoubtedly helped the working of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) and by extension has positive effects on intending Nigerian pilgrims”
“The committee also expressed its appreciation for the timely positive response of the Saudi authorities for the special request of Nigeria by Mr. President for the establishment of more biometric centres across the country.
“This has no doubt alleviated drastically the suffering of the Nigerian pilgrims in the biometric capture process”, he stated.
Salame, also noted with happiness the far reaching measures taken through the stringent process the Saudi authorities put in place for Nigerian Labour companies who desired to work in the kingdom – this the committee believes, is helping in the curtailment of trafficking in persons”
He said “to this end, the committee of Nigeria-Saudi Arabia Parliamentary Friendship and Hajj affairs commends the efforts so far and wish that the feat be sustained for the mutual benefit of the citizens of our dear two countries”, the chairman urged.
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