The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has announced the distribution of the 2016 Hajj slots for 36 States of the Federation, the FCT and the Armed Forces contingent.

Alhaji Uba Mana, Head of Media of NAHCONbsaid that the distribution was sequel to Hajj quota of 76,000 pilgrims approved for Nigeria by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the same quota alloted Nigeria in 2015.

It said that the Kingdom approved 66,000 slots for pilgrims from government quota and 10,000 for pilgrims coming through private tour operators.

According to the statement, NAHCON had earlier issued guidelines for licensing of the state Pilgrims’ Welfare bodies; registration of pilgrims, accommodation of pilgrims in Saudi Arabia and provision of catering services.

The statement explained that the guidelines were sequel to rules and regulations governing Hajj and Umrah, developed by the commission in line with its establishment Act.

It added that the guidelines were meant to streamline Hajj and Umrah operations with a view to setting standard in the management, conduct and provision of Hajj and Umrah services to Nigerian pilgrims.