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The introduction of e-wristband for the use of Nigerian pilgrims during the 2016 Hajj is a novelty project that is expected to protect the pilgrims throughout the period of their stay in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Pilgrims can also use it as wrist watch after returning from Hajj. This project became very necessary for many reasons. And it is going to be peculiar for Nigerians, unlike the one to be provided by the Saudi government for all pilgrims from across the world.
Nigeria is not the only country deploying this device, only that it is a pilot scheme. Other countries would deploy it in the forthcoming Hajj. Simply, that of Saudi will be to identify pilgrims’ countries while that of NAHCON will be more complicated as it will carry all data of each pilgrim and link it with the control room that will be in place in NAHCON offices in the Kingdom.
However, the Saudi Arabia plan on this is not yet clear because no official communication has reached the NAHCON, few weeks to the commencement of Saudi-bound airlift operations for 2016 Hajj. Even if that will be a reality, Nigerian Hajj officials will not have access to the Saudi data gathering, monitoring and management. That is an additional fact why Nigeria needs to have its own. Nigeria’s plan was mentioned to the Saudi Arabia authorities during a meeting and they did not object. The Hajj management in Nigeria, therefore, must take this precautionary measure to safeguard the Nigerian pilgrims.
The NAHCON wristband will also guarantee enough security and guidance for the pilgrims who can communicate with the control room at any time to report any uncomfortable circumstance. It has been observed that pilgrims who lose their ways from their accommodation or from the Holy Mosque often fall into the hands of unscrupulous elements who dupe by taking them to secluded areas. Such pilgrims, once lost, can contact the control room for immediate response. NAHCON would also involve other Saudi security and guide agencies for prompt rescue. This is a very unique innovation that should be trusted and supported.
We are all aware of the twin tragedy of 11th and 24th September, 2015 during Hajj when many Nigerians lost their ways or could not be identified by mere names due to similarities with other West Africans. Up till date, many countries are still recording missing pilgrims because the Saudi Arabian government has not ascertained and issued their death certificates. So while Saudi device will only be used to identify pilgrims in times of mishap, Nigeria’s will be for the protection, guide and easy monitoring of our pilgrims – simply put it, safety and emergency response purpose.
The process of procuring the device was, as normal, transparent. NAHCON advertised for a stipulated period as provided by the procurement regulations. Four slots were advertized for northwest; for north-central and northeast; for southwest, southeast and southsouth; and for the international pilgrims. At least 13 companies applied for each slot.
The bid was opened on May 23, 2016 in the presence of all bidders most of who came with their documents on the closing date to the venue. Also present at the bid opening were representatives of Chartered Institute purchasing and supply management of Nigeria, Center for Transparency Watch, amongst others. The pricing was competitive but very affordable. Companies that won the contracts were Emerging Platform Limited, ADS Communications Link Limited, Center Base Limited and Trans-Secure Limited for each slot respectively.
The prequalified companies have been given deadline to produce and supply the e-wristbands according to specifications. Owing to the fact that a large number of the pilgrims is often from the rural areas, the biggest task is to educate them on its usage. NAHCON is working out effective strategy together with the states and tour operator companies on that.
It is envisaged that this device will add to the smooth Hajj operations which NAHCON has sustained for nearly a decade. The Saudi government has been giving wristbands to all pilgrims of the world for a very long time but the devise has no electronic mechanism for the pilgrims’ safety and direct communication during emergency. It will be recalled that the commission over the years captures the data of all intending pilgrims for the issuance of Hajj visa through State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Boards/Agencies/Commissions.
Muhammad Ajah lives in Abuja. E-mail [email protected].
