By Murtado Ishola
I wish to show my gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for appointing Professor Abdullahi Saleh Usman as the Chairman/CEO of the Hajj Commission of Nigeria.
I specifically commended the President for ‘this well-thought-out’decision of looking inwards to identify a very versatile and an experienced hand, to head the Commission.
This is, as opposed to the approach of appointing someone who will still require going through training and induction into the culture and the inner workings of NAHCON.
The NAHCON Chairman has set new benchmarks for innovation, efficiency, and accountability in the management of Hajj and Umrah operations in Nigeria.
“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.
“With the implementation of measures to improve accommodation standards, transportation logistics, and healthcare services.
“Pilgrims now enjoy 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, the Chairman’s proactive consultative approach has ensured that all parties contribute to the shared vision of enhancing Nigeria’s Hajj operations.
I also commended Professor Usman’s approval of the appointment of Alidu Shutti as the Acting Secretary of the Commission. This is an excellent way of motivating hard-working staff with institutional memory and consolidating the reforms aimed at achieving hitch-free Hajj.
As Hajj continues to be a deeply spiritual journey for millions of Muslims worldwide, Professor Usman’s actions reaffirm its resolve to provide Nigerian Pilgrims with a dignified and fulfilling experience.
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