NCPC Executive Secretary inspects facilities at Abuja airport, urged government to put in place other things

The Executive Secretary of the Nigeria Christian Pilgrim Commission, Rev. Yakubu has inspected facilities at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Pilgrims terminal Abuja in preparation for the 2020 General pilgrimage exercise to Israel.

The Executive Secretary said he was satisfied with the state of preparedness by the Airport Officials for a hitch free Pilgrimage Operations this year.

He affirmed that the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport stands as the image of the country hence it was important to properly ensure that facilities at the Airport are in good state to enable intending pilgrims travel without hitches.

He urged the state governments to endeavor to do the needful on time so as to enable the Commission facilitate the travel arrangements of the intending pilgrims.

He further explained that because of the strategic importance he attaches to the Abuja Airport had galvanized him to physically inspect the Airport which is one of the eight (8) designated Airports to be used for the airlift of intending pilgrims this year.

He described this year’s General Pilgrimage as a special Pilgrimage because of the challenges posed by the global Covid-19 pandemic.

He was optimistic that between December 2020 and January next year the Commission would be able to airlift intending pilgrims.

Earlier , the Regional Manager, Mr Mahmoud Sani in his speech assured the Executive Secretary that International Terminal Manager have made necessary arrangements of all the facilities to make the pilgrimage operation a remarkable one.

He affirmed that all Covid-19 protocols are strictly observed at the Abuja Airport showing the social distance marks on seats and walk way. He added that all pilgrims travelling to the Holy Land are to conduct a Covid-19 test 48 hours before departure and should be with a face mask at all time.

He further explained that facilities are already provided for a smooth airlift of pilgrims, he also said tents would be provided outside the terminal in case of overflow of pilgrims. He assured that this year’s pilgrimage exercise would go on record as one of the best.

The Airport Inspection was graced by the Director of Operations NCPC, Rev. Amos Yohanna, Mr. Barnabas Ali, Director of Administration as well as the NCPC Director of Finance and Accounting, Mr. Joseph Oche.