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Saudi Arabia arrests 7 Nigerian pilgrims over NUSUK hajj pilgrim cards
Saudi Arabian authorities have arrested seven Nigerian pilgrims in Makkah for not possessing NUSUK identity cards during this year’s holy pilgrimage.
The pilgrims, from two Nigerian states, were detained on June 5 and 6 outside their hotels due to the absence of the NUSUK ID cards, also known as hajj permits.
In Saudi Arabia, lacking Hajj permits, or aiding those without them, incurs penalties including a SR10,000 fine, six months’ imprisonment, deportation, and a 10-year ban from the country.
The names of the arrested pilgrims have not been disclosed, and it is unclear if Nigeria’s hajj commission has intervened.
The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) reiterated its appeal for pilgrims to collect and use their NUSUK ID cards during Hajj. In a circular to state pilgrims welfare boards, agencies, commissions, and licensed Hajj tour operators, NAHCON confirmed the arrest of the seven pilgrims and warned that enforcement would intensify with the approaching month of Dhul Hijjah.
NAHCON instructed all State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Boards and tour operator companies to increase awareness among pilgrims about the mandatory NUSUK ID cards. It emphasized the necessity for pilgrims to collect their cards from Mutawwif officials upon arrival in Makkah and to carry them at all times for identification and access during Hajj.
The commission advised pilgrims with smartphones to download the Nusuk app to access digital copies of their ID cards using their passport and visa numbers.
NAHCON also reminded that penalties for not having Hajj permits include a SR10,000 fine, six months’ imprisonment, deportation, and a 10-year ban from Saudi Arabia. It urged all SMPWB’s and tour operators to ensure strict adherence to these guidelines to avoid inconvenience or disruption in the pilgrims’ spiritual journey.
A few days prior, NAHCON had advised pilgrims to use NUSUK cards to avoid arrest by Saudi authorities. Chairman Jalal Arabi, through a statement by Assistant Director of Public Affairs Hajia Fatima Sanda-Usara, addressed concerns about pilgrims being arrested or denied access to Masjidul Haram for not having their NUSUK ID cards.
NAHCON had previously emphasized the importance of the NUSUK card in meetings with State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Boards and Hajj Tour Operators. The card is essential for identification and access during the hajj exercise, supported by a fatwa from Saudi Arabia’s highest religious body making it mandatory for every pilgrim.
Dangote Refinery has announced that it will need to export 95-97 percent of its Premium Motor Spirit (petrol) due to low interest from Nigerian marketers. The refinery, which processes 650,000 barrels per day, revealed that only 3 to 5 percent of petrol marketers are purchasing its fuel.
Devakumar Edwin, Vice President of Oil and Gas at Dangote Industries Limited, shared these details during an X Space session hosted by Nairametrics on Wednesday. He highlighted the challenges facing both the Dangote Refinery and Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.
Edwin explained, “I’m selling 2 to 3 percent to small traders who are willing to buy, while the remaining 95 to 97 percent has to be exported,” referring to the local sales of the refinery’s products.
This situation arises as the NNPCL’s deadline for adjusting the Dangote Refinery’s fuel distribution approaches without a clear plan in sight. It is worth noting that while Aliko Dangote, President of Dangote Group, has announced the refinery’s initial petrol rollout, its distribution to marketers is contingent upon NNPCL’s decisions.
The final sixteen teams for the 2024 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Colombia have been determined following the conclusion of the group stage.
In recent matches, Ghana triumphed over New Zealand with a score of 3-1, and Japan secured a 2-0 victory against Austria.
As a result, Japan has advanced to the Round of 16, joining the other 15 teams in this knockout stage.
The Round of 16 matches are scheduled for Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday.
The full lineup for the Round of 16 is as follows:
- Spain vs Canada
- Brazil vs Cameroon
- Colombia vs South Korea
- Mexico vs USA
- North Korea vs Austria
- Germany vs Argentina
- Netherlands vs France
- Japan vs Nigeria
The Nigerian Army has refuted claims of widespread resignations among its soldiers due to issues like corruption and low morale.
In a statement, Major General Onyema Nwachukwu, Director of Army Public Relations, dismissed these reports as unfounded.
A news outlet had alleged that numerous Nigerian soldiers were resigning because of corruption and low morale. However, the statement condemned these allegations as misleading and a deliberate attempt to create discontent and undermine the Nigerian Army’s reputation and the dedication of its personnel.
Major General Nwachukwu clarified that, similar to other military organizations worldwide, service in the Nigerian Army is voluntary rather than mandatory. This means that personnel have the freedom to resign following established procedures.
He explained that the resignation process allows personnel to prepare and manage their entitlements, including pensions and gratuities, as outlined in the Harmonized Terms and Conditions of Service (Officers/Soldiers).
Contrary to the report’s implications, the statement emphasized that Nigerian Army personnel are highly motivated, and their welfare is a priority under the leadership of Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja.
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