NAHCON Urges NLC to Spare Hajj Operations Amidst Strike Threats

By: Emmanuel Ibitoye

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has appealed to the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) to exempt the ongoing transportation of Nigerian pilgrims to Saudi Arabia from its strike action, citing the sanctity of the religious obligation and the limited time left for the pilgrimage.

With over 65,500 Nigerians expected to perform the 2024 Hajj in Saudi Arabia, NAHCON has transported 38,805 pilgrims in 92 flights so far. However, the commission has expressed concern over reports that a section of the NLC plans to disrupt the ongoing Hajj operations despite initial assurances that Hajj flights would not be affected.

“We appreciate the NLC’s concern for its members’ welfare, but we urge them to respect the sensitivity of this divine devotion and not encroach on its movement,” said Mrs. Fatima Usara, Assistant Director, Public Affairs, NAHCON. “Disruptive action against the smoothness of the operation will deprive intending Muslims their fundamental right to worship, considering the limited time left before the closure of Jeddah and Madinah airports for the pilgrimage.”

NAHCON emphasized that Hajj is a religious obligation that Muslims do not take lightly and appealed to the NLC to apply caution and not tamper with the Hajj conveyance as a courtesy to the Muslim faith. The commission’s records indicate that the transportation of pilgrims is ongoing, with 92 flights already completed.