The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria has said that it would investigate the alleged failure of some Private Tour Operators (PTOs) to airlift about 400 intending pilgrims who were left stranded in Kano.
A statement today, August 10 by the spokesperson of NAHCON, Mrs. Fatima Usara, said that the Commission regretted the situation in which the innocent pilgrims found themselves, resulting in the affected pilgrims staging protest at the Malam Aminu Kano International Airport (MAKIA).
NAHCON said that two weeks before the commencement of airlift, it sent a circular to all the PTOs requesting any of them having challenges to contact NAHCON immediately so that the issue could be addressed to forestall any drawbacks.
The Commission, however, said no complaint was received in respect of the said circular.
“NAHCON, therefore, assures the affected pilgrims that full investigation will be carried out into the matter to establish reasons why they were not airlifted to the Holy Land and consequently seek for justice on their behalf,” the statement said.
It directed the pilgrims to make formal complaints by stating the affected PTO they paid their fares to, the total amount paid, the category of package they paid for and the agreement they signed for.
“These pieces of information should be backed by necessary documents to enable the Commission to investigate and establish the truth of the matter.”
The Commission said that it had earlier advertised the names of licensed PTOs and had consistently warned pilgrims not to engage services of any unrecognized tour operator in order not to fall victim of unprofessionalism.
NAHCON said that the development was brought late to its attention, adding however that it would not be able to salvage the situation this time around as it did in previous times.
