NAHCON Takes Makkah Route Initiative to Nigerian Immigrations Service
by Taiwo H
Management of National Hajj Commission of Nigeria, NAHCON, today, 14th October 2020 visited the Comptroller General of Immigration Service, Muhammadu Babandede in his office. The visit was to facilitate smooth coordination and eventual realisation of the Makkah Route Initiative (MRI) aspiration of the NAHCON.
Thus far, the NAHCON Chairman, Alhaji Zikrullah Kunle Hassan has held similar coordination meetings with Minister of Interior, Ra’uf Arigbesola and the Managing Director of Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, FAAN, Capt. Rabi’u Hamisu Yadudu, when the later paid him a courtesy visit.
Commenting during the visit, the NAHCON Chairman appreciated role of Nigerian Immigration Service in the success of Hajj operations. He introduced the MRI and solicited collaboration for the success of the initiative, the service being an important stakeholder in Hajj exercise. The initiative when begun will ease time spent in the airports during screening, Nigeria having a large contingent to Hajj.
In his address, the Chairman informed that five other countries have already commenced the homeland screening procedure and Nigeria will hopefully be the next.
CGIS Babandede appreciated the visit promising to deploy all resources for the success of the project. He identified key areas where the NIS has made improvement in screening of international passengers and made suggestions for further enhancement and collaboration in matters of pilgrimage. The CGIS was a former NAHCON Commissioner representing NIS.
NAHCON will embark on further meetings to ensure that the MRI becomes a reality in the next Hajj.
