The Vice President of Nigeria, Kashim Shettima, has intervened in the Hajj visa crisis that had threatened to disrupt the plans of thousands of Nigerian pilgrims. Shettima’s timely intervention has ensured that Nigerian pilgrims will be able to perform the sacred ritual without any hitches.
The crisis had arisen due to a contractual dispute between the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) and a Saudi Arabian service provider, Mashariq Al-Dhahabiah. The dispute had led to concerns that Nigerian pilgrims might be denied visas, thereby jeopardising their plans to perform the Hajj.
However, following a meeting between Shettima and the NAHCON management and board, the Vice President directed the commission to take all necessary measures to ensure a smooth and hitch-free pilgrimage for all Nigerian intending pilgrims.
Shettima’s intervention has been hailed as a major breakthrough, and NAHCON has assured pilgrims that they will not miss the Hajj due to visa-related challenges. The commission’s chairman, Professor Abdullahi Usman, has also debunked allegations that he was truncating preparations for this year’s Hajj by cancelling deals with Saudi Arabian Masha’ir companies.
Usman explained that the contract with the Saudi Arabian company was cancelled by the Saudi government and that NAHCON was doing everything possible to ensure that the right thing was done. He assured pilgrims that they would not miss the Hajj and that everything was being done according to the dictates of the law.
The Federal Government has also stepped in to address the visa restrictions imposed by Saudi Arabia on Nigerian travellers. The government has expressed optimism that the restrictions are temporary and will be lifted soon.
The Saudi Arabian government had recently introduced new visa regulations that restrict travellers from 14 countries, including Nigeria, to single-entry visas that are valid for 30 days with no option for extension. However, the government has assured Nigerians that it is engaging with the Saudi authorities to resolve the issue.
