NAHCON encourages Saudi Arabia to review its restriction on Nigerians

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has urged the Saudi Arabian government to rethink the country’s decision to suspend direct flights from Nigeria. 

When he visited the Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia in Nigeria in Abuja, Alhaji Zikrullah Hassan, the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of NAHCON, made the request. 

Hassan noted that the purpose of the visit was to address matters of common interest to both nations, particularly the yearly Holy Pilgrimage of Nigerian Muslims to Saudi Arabia. 

The Chairman went on to say that the visit was intended to urge for the easing of the flying restriction, which the Federal Government had asked.  

He explained, “It is a request that has already been made through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and other sister agencies.” 

Hassan praised the Kingdom’s unwavering support and cooperation to NAHCON and Nigeria in general. 

He also praised Saudi Arabian authorities for their efforts to ensure that families of victims of the 2015 crawler crane collapse in Mecca receive compensation. 

Mr Faisal Bin Ibraheem Al-Ghamidy, the Saudi Arabian Ambassador to Nigeria, responded by expressing optimism that the flight restriction will be lifted shortly. 

He promised Nigeria his country’s help anytime it was needed.  

On the crane crash compensation, the diplomat said that Saudi Arabia was working to ensure that the compensation was paid to the heirs or representatives of the victims as soon as possible. 

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Saudi Arabian General Authority for Civil Aviation (GACA) had on Dec. 8, announced the suspension of direct flights from Nigeria to Saudi Arabia over the COVID-19 pandemic.