Friday, April 17, 2020

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has asked all State Pilgrims Welfare Boards (SPWBs) and licensed tour operators to have contingency plans in place, in case Hajj 2020 is disrupted due to the COVID-19 Pandemic.

The commission, however, said SPWBs and the tour operators can continue the registration of intending pilgrims and collect relevant deposits for the Hajj 2020 to avoid last minute rush.

The commission in a memo to SPEBs and tour operators, warned that no new agreement should be entered with either Saudi or local companies regarding the 2020 Hajj until the situation is clear.

The Memo, signed on behalf of NAHCON Chairman, Alhaji Zikrullah Hassan by M. Ahmed, the Acting Secretary on April 7, directed SPWBs and tour operators “to have contingency plan executing the Hajj or cancelling it at the short notice.”

NAHCON also referred to a communication from the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah through the Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs via a circular No. MOS II 234/P/II stating that “all new commitments on preparation for Hajj 2020 be put on hold until the scourge of the Corona Virus (COVID-19), is clear”.

NAHCON also tells the SPWBs and tour operators that ban on gatherings of more than ten persons or contrvening relevant guidelines by the federal/state health authorities or security agencies must be complied with.

The commission also prayed for successful arrest and elimination of COVID-19 in the world.

Source: https://www.newtelegraphng.com/covid-19-nigeria-designs-contingency-plans-for-hajj-2020/