Abuja, June 4, 2024 – The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has issued a cautionary statement to the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) regarding potential disruptions to the ongoing transportation of Nigerian pilgrims to Saudi Arabia.

Mrs. Fatima Usara, Assistant Director of Public Affairs for NAHCON, made the announcement on Monday, stressing the importance of respecting the sensitivity of the Hajj pilgrimage.

“Information reaching NAHCON indicates that there are plans by a section of the NLC to disrupt the ongoing Hajj operations,” Usara stated. She noted that this was despite previous understandings that Hajj flights would not be affected by industrial actions.

Usara emphasized the sanctity of Hajj, urging the NLC to respect this religious obligation and avoid actions that could hinder the pilgrimage. “The commission advises NLC to apply caution and not to tamper with the Hajj conveyance as a courtesy to the Muslim faith. Disruptive action against the smoothness of the operation will deprive intending Muslims of their fundamental right to worship, considering the limited time left before the closure of Jeddah and Madinah airports for the pilgrimage,” she added.

According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), approximately 65,500 Nigerians are expected to perform the 2024 pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia. NAHCON has reported that 38,805 pilgrims have already been transported to Saudi Arabia in 92 flights.

The commission reiterated its appreciation for the NLC’s concern over the welfare of its members but underscored the need to respect the religious significance of the Hajj pilgrimage and ensure that it proceeds without interference.