By Musa Baba Adamu
A civil society organization (CSO) a faith-based Organization called Independent Hajj Reporters (IHR), has advised the Nigerian Hajj operations community to choose the right service providers for the 2025 Hajj exercise.
The CSO in a statement signed by its National Coordinator, Ibrahim Mohammed, issued in Makkah, Saudi Arabia, advised the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) to create a template for State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Boards and Private Hajj Operators to pick the best service providers that will offer excellent services to Nigerian pilgrims this year.
It said: “IHR acknowledges the challenges being faced by NAHCON, owing to instability in its leadership, but said the commission would be better off if it considers signing a long-term contract with Saudi-based service providers.”
The IHR said the call became necessary given the reality of uncertainties in Hajj cost projections and the impact of the ongoing massive reconstruction and expansion projects in the Holy City of Makkah and Medina in Saudi Arabia.
‘Securing accommodation within a few kilometers from Haram in Makkah is becoming increasingly competitive.
“Agreeing to a 3-year contract will save the Nigerian Hajj Industry from the yearly rituals of coming to Saudi Arabia to search, negotiate, and sign contracts with service providers, especially when it is certain that Hajj operations are a yearly affair.”
The CSO added that searching for service providers on a yearly basis negatively affects the quality of services offered because service providers are not sure of securing contracts or how many pilgrims they are expected to serve.
It said serving thousands of pilgrims required adequate time for planning and preparation and also connoted certainty.
“For example, Malaysia recently signed a 6-year contract with an airline and also signed a 3-year agreement with its service providers in Masha’ir.
“States and private companies should negotiate 3-year contracts to reduce Hajj fares and create stability in Hajj management in Nigeria,” IHR said.
