Independent Hajj Reporters (IHR), a civil society organisation (CSO), has commended air carriers for transporting hajj pilgrims to Saudi Arabia despite non-payment.
In a statement on Saturday, Mohammed said based on the agreement reached with the airlines, NAHCON was expected to pay 50 percent to the airlines ahead of the commencement of transporting the intending pilgrims to Saudi Arabia.
“We are aware that after receiving all deposits from across the states, FCT, and the armed forces, NAHCON had gone ahead to deposit these monies into its accounts at the Central Bank of Nigeria ,” the statement reads.“The normal practice is for the apex bank to provide the dollar equivalent of monies deposited based on the approved official rates for disbursement by NAHCON to meet its obligations.
“However, we are sad to note that in spite of repeated appeals, the CBN could not provide the needed foreign exchange equivalent not just before the commencement of airlift on May 25, but almost three weeks after. “It is, however, gratifying to note that after receiving assurances of payment whenever the USD is made available, the airlines have gone ahead to not just offer full services, but are so far doing a wonderful job.
“Over 50,000 pilgrims have so far been airlifted to Saudi Arabia by the airlines who are yet to get the needed funds from Nigerian authorities. This is most commendable and patriotic.“We urge all concerned to ensure everything that is needed to be done ahead of the second leg of the airlift that is expected to begin immediately after the hajj rites, is done.”
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