Hajj 2023: Lagos urges NAHCON to decentralize medical team

The Lagos State government has called on the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) to decentralized its medical team to the Holy land.

The State which commended the Commission for good administration of the 2023 Hajj operations believes whittling down the power from the central medical team will ensure optimal performance during the period.

Head of the Lagos State Hajj team, Prince Anofiu Elegushi made the statement to journalists in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia after successful airlifting of all contingent of Lagos State for the pilgrimage to the Holy land.

Prince Elegushi explained that the State through its pilgrims board has raised the bar in the administration of Hajj exercise and would love to collaborate with other critical stakeholders for more effective deliveries.

He said: “So far so good we have been having a peaceful arrangement, although with little hitches, which is normal but so far we have been able to control crowd and resolve other issues regarding the pilgrims that came up and after all, we have been able to lifted over three thousand pilgrims to Saudi Arabia and for now, everything is okay for Lagos Pilgrims.

“NAHCON has done well, but the area I will like to talk about is the area of monopoly. I think they should reduce the power of the operation, there are some that states can do better for example the area of medical.

“Allthough, NAHCON is always prepared, but looking at the number of people that came from Nigeria, their facilities may be overwhelmed.

“If we can have medical from the houses where pilgrims reside, it would reduce pressure on major medical infrastructure. They should at least release some powers to the States. I am sure, things will go well if they can do that.”

Elegushi however reassured the pilgrims of better arrangements in the coming days.