In a bid to enhance the experience of Nigerian pilgrims in Makkah, Saudi Arabia, Islamic scholar Sheikh Muhammad Nuru Khalid has advocated for improvements in the mode of hotel room allocation by the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON).
Khalid, a former Chief Imam of the Apo Legislative Quarters Mosque in Abuja, stressed the importance of planning ahead for hotel room allocation before the arrival of pilgrims. He suggested using the pilgrims’ flight manifest to facilitate efficient room assignments.
According to Khalid, pilgrims should not have to wait for more than 10 minutes to know their room assignments upon arrival. He emphasized the need to prioritize accommodation and ensure that pilgrims’ needs are met without delay.
Furthermore, Khalid urged pilgrims to be mindful of their spending in the holy land, especially given the limited amount allotted to them as Basic Travelling Allowance (BTA) this year. He emphasized that the main Hajj activities take place in Makkah and warned against overspending, particularly during their stay in Madinah.
Expressing appreciation for the improved welfare of Nigerian pilgrims this year, Khalid commended NAHCON for securing accommodations within walking distance of Prophet Muhammad’s mosque in Makkah. He also lauded the well-organized reception provided to pilgrims upon their arrival at the Mohammed Bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Madinah.
Despite the positive developments, Khalid noted that there is always room for improvement. He recommended that NAHCON officials should streamline the process of allocating rooms to pilgrims well in advance of their arrival, leveraging flight manifest data to facilitate smoother arrangements.
In conclusion, Khalid underscored the importance of continuous improvement in Hajj arrangements to ensure the comfort and satisfaction of Nigerian pilgrims undertaking the holy pilgrimage.
