SGF Receives 2015 Hajji Report
The Secretary to the Government of theFederation, Engineer BabachirDavid Lawal, today,in his office, received the report on the 2015 Hajj. In his remarks, the SGF commended the Chairman and the entire Board of the NationalHajj Commission of Nigeria for their exemplary performance in Saudi Arabia, especially, during the tragedies that occurred during the Hajj.
2.He said he was particularly impressed with the conduct of the Chairman inproviding theGovernment and indeed, the general public, adequate and incontrovertible information throughout the crisis. He assured the Commission that the report submitted will receive the prompt attention of the Government.
3.The Chairman, Barrister AbdullahiMohammed, in his statement, noted that the 2015 Hajj was the most eventful in the history of Hajj Operations in Nigeria with pilgrims witnessing two tragic events: the crane incident at the Grand Mosque in Makkah on September 11, 2015 and the stampede recorded in Mina on September 24, 2015. Nigeria, he said, recorded a total of 280 deaths from both events, while 43 are consideredmissing as their status is yet to be ascertained.
4.The Chairman used the occasion of the submission of the report to once again, condole Mr. President, families of victims and indeed, Nigerians on the loss of lives. He assured that the report submitted contains observations and indeed,recommendations that will ensure more successes during future Hajj Exercises.
5.A total of 75,081 Nigerian Pilgrims participated in the 2015 Hajj Exercise. Both theoutbound and inbound flights were concluded well ahead of schedule.
Bolaji Adebiyi,
Director (Press),
Office of the Secretary to the Government of theFederation.