News
2019 HAJJ: Stranded pilgrims, tour operators accuse NAHCON of sabotage
Mukhtar Yahya Usman
About 487 stranded pilgrims in Kano and their tour operators have accused the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) of sabotaging their bid to perform the Hajj, an allegation the commission has denied.
KANO TODAY reports that the pilgrims from various states of Nigeria have been waiting at the airport for about 10 days till Thursday afternoon when they learnt that their flight had been cancelled.
The pilgrims allege that Abdullahi Mukhtar, NAHCON chairman had advised Saudi authorities to cancel their approved flight accusing them of being illegal immigrants.
They also accuse Mr Mukhtar of imposing stringent financial conditions on the tour operators causing delays in their operations.
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In an interview with journalists on Thursday, a representative of the tour operators, Usman Hassan Darma accused NAHCON of sabotaging them due to its financial ties with Fly Nas – a Saudi Arabian airline.
Mr. Darma, vice president of the Kano Chamber of Commerce, Industries, Mines, and Agriculture (KACCIMA) lamented that tour operators have paid non-refundable fees to service operators in Saudi Arabia.
He therefore called on the federal government to come to their rescue and sanction the NAHCON chairman.
However, NAHCON has denied all the allegations.
Fatima Sanda Usara, spokesperson of the commission told KANO TODAY that NAHCON had offered to address any challenges facing licensed tour operators two weeks before they started airlifting pilgrims but none of them responded.
The spokesperson also denied that NAHCON had accused the stranded pilgrims of being illegal immigrants.
She therefore urged the stranded pilgrims to report the tour operators to the commission for compensation and disciplinary action.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
The Director General of the Telecommunications Regulatory Board (ART) of the Republic of Cameroon, Philemon Zoo Zame, on Wednesday visited the headquarters of the [Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) in Abuja for a benchmarking exercise aimed at strengthening regulatory collaboration and knowledge sharing between both countries.
KANO FOCUS reports that during the visit, the Cameroonian telecom regulator met with the Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of NCC, Aminu Maida.
A statement issued by Ayiabari A. Kigbara, Manager, Media Relations, Public Affairs Department of the NCC, said the engagement focused on exchanging ideas and best practices in telecommunications regulation, with emphasis on enhancing efficiency and development within the sector.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals Limited has announced that its ex-depot price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) remains unchanged, reaffirming its commitment to stability in Nigeria’s domestic energy market.
In a statement issued by Esan Sunday, Head of Media Relations, Branding and Communication, the company said sustaining the current price reflects its efforts to cushion the broader economy against external shocks. It noted that by absorbing prevailing cost pressures, the refinery is helping to moderate inflationary risks, promote energy affordability, and ensure uninterrupted fuel supply amid ongoing global uncertainties.
The company reiterated its dedication to the steady supply of high-quality petroleum products to the Nigerian market, while aligning with national objectives of price stability and energy security.
It also urged the public to rely solely on official communications from the refinery for accurate and up-to-date information regarding its operations and pricing.
Nasiru Yusuf Ibrahim
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has congratulated Alhaji Murtala Sule Garo on his emergence as the Deputy Governor of Kano State following his swearing-in on Tuesday.
KANO FOCUS reports that Garo was sworn in by Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf after being nominated to fill the vacancy created by the resignation of former deputy governor, Comrade Aminu Abdulsalam.
In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President described Garo’s appointment as a positive step toward strengthening unity within the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kano State.
The President noted that the 48-year-old politician has held several public offices, including Chairman of Kabo Local Government Area and Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs during the administration of former governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje. He also served as the APC governorship running mate in the 2023 general elections.
Tinubu commended Governor Yusuf for the appointment, urging political stakeholders in the state to rally behind the administration to ensure stability and progress.
He also called on the new deputy governor to work closely with the governor in delivering effective leadership and accelerating development in Kano State.
The President wished Garo success in his new role.
Cameroon telecom regulator visits NCC for benchmarking exercise
Dangote Refinery maintains ex-depot price of PMS
Tinubu congratulates Garo on appointment as Kano deputy governor
Ganduje acknowledges Sanusi II as Emir of Kano, 6 years after dethroning him
Gov. Yusuf to swear in Murtala Garo as Kano deputy governor Tuesday
Kano SUBEB disowns fake teachers’ recruitment results
Sarkin Fulanin Jaidinawa Abubakar Gwadabe Buhari dies, funeral set for Wednesday
Kano Judicial Commission sanctions Shariah Court Judges, other staff over misconduct
Tinubu nominates Kano’s Rabiu Umar as new NMDPRA chief
