The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) and the State Muslims Pilgrims Welfare Boards are organized bodies that oversee the annual Hajj pilgrimage.
Their responsibilities span from federal to state levels and include crucial tasks such as liaising with the Saudi Arabian government, arranging transportation with air carriers, booking accommodations, organizing catering services, providing health facilities, and managing other logistics. These arrangements are essential for the smooth execution of the pilgrimage.
However, these bodies must give opportunities to various experts, such as Doctors and Imams, to participate in the Hajj exercise.
Their contribution is crucial to the achievement of the entire exercise. While the Imams guide the Pilgrims on duties needed for them, the medical team plays a part in attending to their health challenge as the need arises.
However, the practice of repeatedly using the same experts every year can lead to a sentiment-based approach rather than an objective one. To ensure fairness and to provide opportunities for a wider pool of experts, it is recommended that NAHCON and the State Muslims Pilgrims Welfare Boards implement a policy where experts are given one chance to serve and then replaced by others in subsequent years.
This approach would prevent the monopoly of opportunities and encourage a more inclusive and diverse participation. It would also allow fresh perspectives and new expertise to contribute to the Hajj exercise, ultimately enhancing the overall experience and management of the pilgrimage.
The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) and the State Muslims Pilgrims Boards, face a significant challenge when they continually use the same experts, such as Doctors and Imams, year after year.
While these individuals may have considerable experience, this practice can lead to several disadvantages, including a lackadaisical or nonchalant attitude toward their responsibilities.
When the same experts are repeatedly assigned, they may become complacent, assuming their expertise and familiarity with the process exempts them from maintaining high standards of performance and diligence.
This complacency can result in reduced enthusiasm, diminished attention to detail, and a general decline in the quality of guidance and assistance provided to the pilgrims.
Moreover, a lack of fresh perspectives can lead to stagnation. New experts bring new ideas, energy, and innovations that can improve the overall management of the exercise.
By continuously rotating experts, NAHCON and the State Muslims Pilgrims Board can ensure that those guiding and assisting the pilgrims remain motivated, attentive, and committed to providing the best possible support.
In summary, to maintain high standards and ensure that pilgrims receive the best care and guidance, NAHCON and the State Muslims Pilgrims Welfare Boards need to adopt a policy of rotating experts. This not only prevents complacency but also enriches the pilgrimage experience with fresh perspectives and renewed dedication.
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, “Allah loves when one of you is doing something, that he [or she] does it most excellently”. This reinforces the need to ensure that those in positions of responsibility during Hajj are consistently providing their best efforts
