Date: 2016-08-29

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has drawn the attention of officials of state pilgrims' welfare boards and private tour operators to the new Saudi Arabia regulation which forbids grouping of pilgrims from Mina to Jamrat (site of the stone-throwing rite) for 12 hours.

The ban according to a statement issued by the National Media Team, Alhaji Mousa Ubandawaki would last for three days during which pilgrims were expected to perform the stone-throwing rite.

The statement added that circular from the Saudi Ministry of Hajj titled" 2016 Hajj Jamrat Timing" said there should be no grouping of pilgrims to the Jamrat from 6.00am to 10.00am on the first day of the exercise.

It said on the second day, the ban would commence from 2.00pm to 6.00 pm, while the restriction on the third and final day would start from 10.30am to 2.00pm.

The measure according to the statement was taken to ensure the safety of the pilgrims and prevent over-crowding at the Jamrat.

It also added that the authority warned pilgrims not to perform Tawaf El Qudum (arrival) circumambulation of the Kaaba an hour before and after prayers in the Grand mosque to prevent pilgrims obstruction of worshippers.

The commission therefore appealed to the officials of the 36 state pilgrims welfare boards, the FCT, the Armed forces and private tour operators to educate their pilgrims on the new development and also ensure strict compliance with the directive as stiff penalty awaits any erring pilgrims', official or tour operator.