The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) says it has reached an advance stage in processing the entry visas for 2024 intending pilgrims to Saudi Arabia.

NAHCON executive chairman Jalal Arabi said this at the maiden stakeholders’ summit on Hajj and Umrah on Thursday in Abuja.

Mr Arabi said the commission had scheduled May 16 for the inaugural flight of the 2024 Hajj. He said the approved air carriers were ready to transport all Nigerian pilgrims to Saudi Arabia from over 10 departure centres.

“We as a board of NAHCON and team will be meeting with the air carriers later today to fashion out the departure centres, and of course, our partners in the aviation sector will also join us,” he said.

The NAHCON boss said all pilgrims from states would visit Madinah for a maximum of four days before the commencement of Hajj rites.

“This is a major change from the operations of Hajj in the last decade. All stakeholders are working to provide effective and efficient services to the guests of Allah (pilgrims). And this underscores the importance of this summit.

“The preparations for this year’s Hajj is characterised by different challenges but to God be the glory we are able to overcome the challenges. I can proudly say that close to 65,500 pilgrims of the States Pilgrims Boards, Agencies and Commissions and the Tour operators will be participating in this year’s Hajj,” he said.

He also mentioned that the commission was ready to partner with stakeholders and work as a team to conduct the 2024 Hajj operation successfully.

Mr Arabi lauded Vice-President Kashim Shettima for his continued support for the commission. He also expressed appreciation to the Sultan of Sokoto, Sa’ad Abubakar III, for his continued guidance of NAHCON’s leadership.

(NAN)