Media group welcomes innovative hajj reforms, appointment of Acting Secretary for NAHCON

By Musa Baba Adamu

A civil society organization, Media Awareness for Hajj Initiative (Mai-Hajj), has applauded Professor Abdullahi Sale Usman, the Chairman of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), for introducing policies towards improving Hajj operations in Nigeria.
The Organization made the commendation in a statement yesterday signed by its Chairman, Garba Ubale Dambatta.
According to Mai-Hajj, the NAHCON Chairman has set new benchmarks for innovation, efficiency, and accountability in the management of Hajj and Umrah operations in Nigeria.
The statement noted that one of the major reforms introduced by Professor Usman is the digitization of the Hajj registration process, which now enables Pilgrims to register seamlessly through an integrated online platform, thereby reducing bottlenecks and ensuring transparency.
Mai-Hajj emphasized that early preparations in the area of negotiations with airlines, service providers, and Saudi authorities to secure competitive rates, have significantly reduced the cost of Hajj packages without compromising the quality of services rendered.
The group pointed out that with the implementation of measures to improve accommodation standards, transportation logistics, and healthcare services, pilgrims now enjoyed access to well-equipped clinics, trained medical personnel, and prompt emergency response during the pilgrimage.
On the high level of collaboration with stakeholders, including state pilgrim welfare boards, licensed tour operators, and private sector partners, Mai-Hajj noted that the Chairman’s proactive consultative approach has ensured that all parties contribute to the shared vision of enhancing Nigeria’s Hajj operations.
Mai-Hajj also commended Professor Usman’s approval of the appointment of Alidu Shutti as the Acting Secretary of the Commission, explaining that it is an excellent way of motivating hard working staff with institutional memory and to consolidate the reforms aimed at achieving hitch free Hajj.