The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria on Monday signed an agreement with approved 2015 Hajj air carriers, the Chairman of the Commission, Alhaji Abdullahi Muktar, said.
Muktar, who signed the agreement on behalf of the Commission in Abuja, said it was one of the activities that usually takes place yearly before the airlift of pilgrims to the holy land.
He congratulated the air carriers picked for this year’s exercise and urged those that were not selected to strive hard next time.
He also urged them to work with those that were selected as brothers and sisters in progress for effective and efficient service delivery.
The NAHCON boss urged the selected air carriers to put the interest of the pilgrims above personal and financial aspects of the agreement for successful and fruitful exercise.
He advised them not to compromise standards and quick service delivery like other countries, being the ultimate when it comes to Hajj operations.
This, he said, would move Hajj operations forward “because every year the Saudi Authority always expect the best services, especially in the area of airlift of pilgrims.
“The agreement should not between the air carriers and the Commission alone, but the target should be the pilgrims, especially their welfare.
“The agreement is just like taking an oath between the Commission and Allah, the creator.”
Muktar, however, urged them to have the fear of Almighty Allah in whatever they do, as He was always watching us.
He also urged the selected air carriers to go into competition by working in the best interest of the pilgrims, noting: “We are going to have a monitoring team to evaluate performances.
“We are also going to give out prices to the best performed air carriers at the end of the Hajj exercise.”
Muktar noted that President Muhammadu Buhari was not only concerned and passionate about Hajj but would do everything possible to put the country at par with international best practice.
He promised to work with the State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Boards, especially in the area of visa, in order to have a hitch-free Hajj.
The selected carriers are Top Brass Aviation, MedView Air, Kabo Air, Fly-Nass Air and Skypower Air, among others.
In his remarks, Alhaji Nura Harazimi, the Executive Director of Top Brass Aviation, who spoke on behalf of others expressed gratitude to the Commission for the confidence reposed in them.
He promised that they would give their best, particularly in the area of service delivery to the pilgrims.
He added: “We will work as partners in progress to give this year’s Hajj a befitting success.
“We are also going to comply strictly with the rules and regulations guiding Hajj operations.”
NAN.