Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, on Monday engaged the Nigerian hajj authorities on how to properly guide pilgrims in the performance of the spiritual rites.

The engagement involved officials of the ministry, representatives of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria, and some states pilgrims Welfare boards.

The Saudi authorities advised the Nigerian officials to ensure that Nigerian pilgrims always carried proper means of identification anywhere they found themselves within the country.

They specifically emphasised the need for pilgrims to always move around with their Nusuk cards to avoid harassment from law enforcement personnel.

They described the Nusuk card as a mandatory permit for performing hajj for pilgrims from within or outside the country.

They said that the Nusuk card was also important in locating pilgrims who might get missing in the crowd during the peak period of the hajj. The engagement also involved simulation on proper handling of certain medical emergencies during the peak period of hajj.

NAHCON chairman Ismail Yusuf, said that the engagement was a good opportunity for Saudi authorities, field officers of the commission, and states to synergise for effective hajj operation.

Mr Yusuf described the three parties as the main players in ensuring proper performance of the Hajj rites.

“It is an interesting introduction by the Ministry of Hajj and it brought together all the major players. The simulations will greatly assist in preparing for the outing in Mashair. It is a commendable effort by the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah,” he said.

He urged the state pilgrims welfare boards to work closer with the field officers and ensure a smooth and free Hajj exercise.

Abubakar Saliu, the acting executive chairman of the Adamawa Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Commission described the engagementas as an opportunity to share knowledge with the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah officials.

Abubakar Agbaje, member of Kwara State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, said that the engagement was an eye-opener for hajj officials across the states.

(NAN)