The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) suspended pilgrims’ sensitization activities nationwide until further notice.
The directive was contained in a circular with reference number NAHCON/SB/33/VOL.XVIII/260 to all States’ Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Boards/Agencies/Commissions, NAHCON Head of Public Affairs Fatima Sanda Usara said in a statement.
The commission said this became necessary in the light of the health challenges posed by the COVID-19 infection with its potency of rapid transmission most especially in large gatherings.
Dateline Nigeria also reports that President Muhammadu Buhari had approved the usage of hajj camps across the country as possible isolation centers to manage coronavirus patients.
It is therefore among NAHCON’s priorities to protect pilgrims as well as intending pilgrims from hazardous circumstances whether in or outside the country.
In addition, Federal Government, in line with advisory from National Centre for Disease Control has banned all public gatherings whether religious or social.
This is to support social distancing and as a COVID-19 containment strategy. This measure, NAHCON totally identifies with.
The circular signed by NAHCON Commissioner, Planning, Research, Statistics, Information and Library Services, Sheikh Suleiman Momoh, commended state pilgrims’ boards/commissions/agencies for their efforts in pilgrims’ enlightenment.
The sensitization is geared towards mentoring Nigerian pilgrims to be good ambassadors of the country while in Saudi Arabia. However, all necessary preparatory steps for 2020 Hajj goes on, the document advised.
