The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has pledged to upgrade the FCT Hajj Transit Camp to a standard structure that will enhance the comfort of Muslim pilgrims before their departure.
The Head, Public Affairs Division of NAHCON, Mrs Fatima Usara, made this known in a statement on Monday in Abuja.
She said the chairman of the commission, Alhaji Abdullahi Muhammad, made the pledge when he visited the camp.
She quoted the NAHCON boss as saying “the purpose of the visit was to review how and from where the commission would begin drawing its plan to upgrade the entire Hajj camp to modern standard.”
She also said the visit was to gather first-hand information about activities at the camp, adding that it was to assess facilities available for pilgrims and to determine commitment of staff.
The NAHCON chief also said that the camp would be re-designed from the existing boarding house styled rooms to a standard hotel format.
According to him, the camp would be remodelled to have a modern clinic that will serve the local community beyond the seasonal Hajj period.
“This is in addition to a contemporary event hall for rental purpose to generate revolving funds that will be channelled toward supporting Hajj activities even without governments support.
“The commission’s vision is to develop the facility to one that meets modernity for the convenience of intending pilgrims.
“This will at the same time, generate income for sustenance of Hajj operations beyond government’s purse.”
Muhammad added that overtime and service charges collected as part of Hajj fares were funds to be routed toward executing the project. (NAN)
He expressed optimism that the project would be a mission accomplished soon.
The chairman also made enquiries about general welfare of pilgrims on transit, saying that their feeding, beds and medical care was uppermost. (NAN)
