The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), in a post-Arafat meeting with stakeholders in Makkah, Saudi Arabia, disclosed that a total of 14 Nigerian pilgrims have lost their lives during the ongoing 2023 hajj operation. Dr. Usman Galadima, the Chief of Operations and Head of the NAHCON National Medical Team, provided details on the deaths, stating that seven pilgrims passed away before Arafat, six during the five-day Mashair (core Hajj period), and one additional person after Arafat. Galadima mentioned that the mortality rate is comparable to that of the 2019 Hajj. Additionally, he noted that three cases of chickenpox were recorded during the core hajj period, with the affected pilgrims promptly isolated to prevent the spread of the disease. The medical team also assisted in two deliveries during the hajj ritual in Mina, Arafat, and Muzdalifah.
Galadima stressed the importance of thorough pre-hajj medical screenings and the issuance of certificates of medical fitness. He further advised against the participation of elderly and severely ill pilgrims in the physically demanding symbolic devil stoning at Jamrat. Meanwhile, Alhaji Goni Sanda, the Head of Aviation at NAHCON, announced that the transportation of pilgrims back to Nigeria will commence on Tuesday, July 4. He explained that the first-in, first-out policy will be strictly implemented during the evacuation process. Sanda also mentioned that, due to the volume of traffic and the involvement of numerous aircraft from different countries, the Saudi authorities have a policy of limited operation for the first two weeks. As a result, Flynas, one of the air carriers, will utilize only four out of their six aircraft initially.
Furthermore, Alhaji Abdullahi Hardawa, the Commissioner of Operations at NAHCON, highlighted the commission's determination to ensure full compliance with its luggage policy during the return journey to Nigeria. He recalled breaches in 2022 and assured that such occurrences would not be tolerated this year to ensure a seamless operation. Hardawa expressed concern over the behavior of some pilgrims, particularly females, who bring multiple bags as hand luggage, jeopardizing the safety of other passengers. He urged officials of state pilgrims boards to inform their pilgrims about the policy to avoid inconveniences and unnecessary delays at the airport. In conclusion, he warned that there would be strict enforcement of the 32kg luggage policy or advised pilgrims to utilize the cargo option to prevent the risk of losing valuables at the airport.
