The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has announced that the 2021 Hajj exercise would hold, National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has confirmed.
Head of NAHCON’s Public Affairs unit, Fatima Usara disclosed this in a statement on Monday.
Saudi Arabia, however, did not stipulate if it would accommodate pilgrims from other countries.
Usara said the message was conveyed through the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s ministry of Hajj and Umrah.
The commission also assured intending pilgrims from Nigeria that they would have slots if the country decides to allow pilgrims from other countries.
“As we await further communication on specific measures and organisational plans for the 2021 Hajj, NAHCON urges Nigerian intending pilgrims to continue exercising patience while remaining prayerful for positive outcome.
“If there are indeed plans for international pilgrims to participate, NAHCON is optimistic that Nigerian Hajj hopefuls will have slots even if with conditions.
“This is because thus far, Nigerians have been part of those admitted for Umrah and Nigeria has not been among countries barred from traveling to Saudi Arabia.
“Hence, NAHCON leadership reassures the general public, particularly registered intending pilgrims, that in its tradition, the Commission will adhere strictly to those measures and guidelines that will be stipulated by the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah.
“NAHCON is therefore charging other Hajj stakeholders and hopefuls to be ready to comply in order to ease the process for the country and host country such that will pave way for a successful Hajj operation despite time constraints,” the statement reads.