Shettima Inaugurates New NAHCON Board, Urges Innovations in Hajj Operations

Vice President Kashim Shettima inaugurated the newly constituted board of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) on February 28, 2024.

The event, held at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, saw the Vice President calling on the new management to introduce innovations in hajj operations in Nigeria.

The Vice President emphasized the importance of the Hajj, which is one of the five pillars of Islam, and urged the board members to synergize and bring fresh perspectives to the operations of the commission.

He reminded them that serving on the NAHCON board is a religious duty that comes with great rewards from Allah.

The new board comprises Aliu Abdulrazaq (Commissioner, Policy, Personnel, & Finance), Prince Anofi Elegushi (Commissioner, Operations), and Professor Abubakar A. Yagawal (Commissioner, Planning & Research).

The zonal and stakeholder representatives include Dr. Muhammad Umaru Ndagi (North Central), Abba Jato Kala (North East), Sheikh Muhammad Bin Othman (North West), Tajudeen Oladejo Abefe (South West), Aishat Obi Ahmed (South East), Zainab Musa (South South), Professor Musa Inuwa Fodio (Jama’atul Nasril Islam), and Professor Adedimizi Mahfouz Adebola (Supreme Council on Islamic Affairs).

The Vice President acknowledged that the new board has been selected based on their diverse backgrounds and untainted records.

This was done to ensure that they bring fresh perspectives and innovations to Hajj operations in Nigeria.

He also urged the board to improve the Hajj Savings Scheme to increase the number of pilgrims participating in the exercise across the country.

In his response, the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the new board, Malam Jalal Arabi, thanked the President and Vice President for their appointment and expressed the board’s commitment to working as a team to improve Hajj operations in Nigeria.

He assured that pilgrims will get value for their money.

The event was attended by several key figures, including the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate; Ministers of Aviation, Mr. Festus Keyamo, SAN, and Interior, Mr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo.

As the newly constituted NAHCON board begins its work, the expectations are high for improved Hajj operations in Nigeria, with innovative solutions and better services for pilgrims.