National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has urged state pilgrims welfare boards to collaborate with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) to curb smuggling of prohibited items into Saudi Arabia.
The Executive Chairman of NAHCON, Malam Jalal Arabi, made the call in a statement issued by the commission’s Assistant Director, Public Affairs, Mrs Fatima Usara, on Thursday in Abuja.
Arabi also emphasised the need for state authorities to work with other related agencies in ensuring that persons planning to smuggle prohibited items into Saudi Arabia are apprehended.
This, according to him, will guard against embarrassment on Nigeria, as it causes delay during screening of pilgrims in both countries.
Arabi said “intending pilgrims for the 2024 Hajj have been cautioned
against travelling with illicit drugs, kolanuts and cigarettes into the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.