NAHCON Urges Striking Workers Not to Disrupt Hajj Operations

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has called on the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) not to hinder the ongoing transit of Nigerian pilgrims to Saudi Arabia.

In a statement issued on Monday in Abuja, NAHCON’s Assistant Director of Public Affairs, Mrs. Fatima Usara, emphasized the importance of respecting the sensitivity of the Hajj pilgrimage.

“Information reaching NAHCON indicates plans by a section of the NLC to disrupt the ongoing Hajj operations,” Usara stated. “This is despite an initial understanding that Hajj flights would not be affected.”

While acknowledging the NLC’s concerns for the welfare of its members, Usara urged the union to honor the sanctity of the Hajj, which Muslims consider a vital religious duty.

“Disruptive actions against the smoothness of the operation will deprive intending pilgrims of their fundamental right to worship, especially given the limited time before the closure of Jeddah and Madinah airports for the pilgrimage,” the statement continued.

According to NAHCON, 65,500 Nigerians are scheduled to undertake the pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia in 2024. So far, 38,805 pilgrims have been transported on 92 flights.

The organized labor recently shut down entry points of aviation agencies at Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos and Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja to demand the implementation of a new national minimum wage. This action has disrupted flight operations, leaving airlines and passengers stranded.