By Soliu Oyesiji
A Saudi-based Hajj service provider, Wael Company, has pledged to strengthen its partnership with Nigerian Hajj operators to improve accommodation, transportation, catering and other services for pilgrims.
Speaking on Thursday at the Annual General Meeting of the Association of Hajj and Umrah Operators of Nigeria (AHUON), Office Manager Ahmed said the company had served Nigerian pilgrims continuously for the past 15 years and understood their culture, expectations and service needs.
“As many of you already know, Mr. Wael has been serving Nigerian pilgrims continuously for the past 15 years. We were not only business partners; we became like one family. We worked together, lived together during Hajj seasons and shared the same responsibility of serving the Guests of Allah,” he said.
Ahmed said the company’s operational team in Saudi Arabia was fully prepared to deliver services with the highest standards of quality and professionalism, adding that its efforts had been recognised with first place in the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah’s evaluation of Hajj service providers.
“Alhamdulillah, our efforts were recognised when we received first place in the evaluation of Hajj service providers by the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah. This achievement reflects our commitment to excellence and continuous improvement,” he said.
He identified black market activities as a major challenge affecting service delivery, saying unofficial payments reduce the resources available for accommodation, catering and other essential services.
“One of the biggest challenges is the black market. If we work together to eliminate this problem, we can completely close the black market and use all available resources to provide excellent services that truly reflect the value paid by every pilgrim,” Ahmed said.
He also stressed the need for the timely completion of official procedures to secure better accommodation in Mina, warning that delays could limit available options.
The office manager unveiled new initiatives designed to improve the Hajj experience, including a “Pilgrim Without Luggage” programme, activation of the Nusuk Card in Nigeria before departure, and a mobile application to help pilgrims locate hotels, navigate the holy sites and access round-the-clock customer support.
“Our goal is not simply to provide services. Our goal is to build a successful model for Nigerian Hajj that becomes an example for other countries. We believe that through partnership, trust, transparency and teamwork, we can provide Nigerian pilgrims with an exceptional Hajj experience that they will always remember,” he said.
