PRESS STATEMENT

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) and the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) have resolved to collaborate in ensuring better efficiency in Hajj Operations. This was announced when the ChairmanjCEO of NAHCON Barr. Abdullahi Mukhtar Mohammed, MON led a delegation of the Commission to the Aviation House, Lagos on Wednesday, 3rd February, 2016 on a courtesy visit to the Director General of the NCAA,Captain Muhtar Usman. The Chairman called for the DG’s assistance in ensuring that carriers provide world-class services for the pilgrims and observed that some Nigerian airports used for pilgrims’ airlift operations lacked some basic facilities that adversely affect the rotation circle of pilgrims airlift and increases delay in the operation such as Night Landing Support; adequate fuel storage facilities and sufficient ground handling facilities. In response, the DG thanked the NAHCON team for the visit. He reassured them of the harmonious partnership and cooperation of the Authority. He added that the provision of world -class services like airport capacity in terms of ground handling, fuelling, airlines prequalification, in-flight services, passengers’ comfort and so on, remain the priority of the Authority. He promised to assist in ensuring that the condition of designated Hajj airports meet international requirements of having standardised fire service facilities, ground handling, and navigational equipment. Capt. Usman called for more cooperation from NAHCON regarding timely selection of carriers so that they can be properly assessed. Timely inspection and surveillance will make next hajj operations more successful. He sought the support of the Commission to ensure that full remittance of 5% Ticket Sales Charge (TSC) devoid of any forms of waiver to the Authority is done as it will help in the effective discharge of NCAA’s oversight duties. He advised that regular periodic joint statements by the Commission and NCAAbe arranged in subsequent operations to address the information challenge earlier raised by the Chairman.