The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has lauded the Ogun State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board for abiding by the rules and regulations on hajj operations.

The Director, Southwest zone of the Commission, Alhaji Alidu Shutti gave the commendation during an inspection visit to the Board’s Secretariat, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, saying the visit was one of the criteria for renewal of licence operation which would enable the Board to perform hajj related activities.

Shutti said the inspection team was impressed by the achievements of the Board and affirmed that its activities were in tandem with NAHCON guidelines, adding that Ogun is ahead of other States visited.

 "We are here to inspect the activities of the Board and the equipment on ground, because NAHCON establishment Act 2006, section 4, sub-section 1A, stipulates that the Commission shall licence, regulate, supervise and perform oversight functions on hajj and umrah activities", he said.

The Director commended the leadership of the Board for establishing a mutual relationship with key agencies that were actively involved in hajj operations which include, Primary Healthcare Development Board, Port Health Service, Nigeria Immigration Services, and others.

Earlier in his welcome address, the Executive Secretary of the Board, Alhaji Salau Dauda said the agency would not relent on its oars in ensuring seamless hajj and Umrah operations as expected, urging the Commission to always consider the State Board first in its plan for hajj schedule.