By; Abdull-Azeez Ahmed Kadir.
As the Hajj 2023 comes to an end with the airlift of the last batch of Nigerian pilgrims back home, the Independent Hajj Reporters (IHR), a civil society organisation that monitors and reports Hajj and Umrah activities, has called for early preparations for 2024 operations, quick review of this year’s while lauding stakeholders for the successes recorded.
The call was contained in a statement signed by the National Coordinator of IHR, Ibrahim Muhammed.
IHR acknowledged the efforts and support jointly extended to the cause of 2023 Hajj exercise by the Nigerian Hajj Stakeholders, especially the apex Hajj regulatory body – the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), States Muslim Pilgrims Boards and Agencies, appointed Hajj Carriers, security agencies, para-military establishments, NGOs and volunteers, in making 2023 Hajj a relative success.
The CSO said it noted the efforts of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Vice President, Kashim Shettima, and other diplomatic officials towards the success of 2023 Hajj.
It equally commended the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for its commitment towards the welfare of guests of Al Rahman.
It said transporting about 95,000 Nigerians to another country and returning them back safely is not an easy task. At the same time, housing over 2.5 million pilgrims from 163 Hajj participating countries for over a period of two months by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, it added is an extraordinary achievement.
The Hajj reporting CSO said airlifting 72,189 pilgrims from a single airport in 28 days by five Hajj carriers is a great effort and commended all those involved in this feat.
IHR however advised that the challenges of poor services experienced in 2023 Hajj must be reviewed and addressed with a view to avoiding similar unfair experiences.
It averred that the only way to avoid av repeat of those challenges encountered, particularly in Mashaer, was to quickly and logically begin preparations for 2024 Hajj in line with the newly released Calendar of events by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
It advised that sentiments and self-interest should take a back seat in the planning for 2024 Hajj.
