The Nigeria Christian Pilgrims Commission (NCPC) has opened bids submitted by air carriers for the 2022 pilgrimage.

The two air carriers and five ground handlers submitted their bids.

In his speech, the Executive Secretary, Rev. Yakubu Pam assured us that the commission would continue to be transparent in its dealings.

E.S NCPC, Rev. Yakubu Pam and Chairman House Committee of Pilgrims Affairs, Abubakar Nalaraba.

Pam who gave the assurance on Tuesday in Abuja during the bid opening added that the commission would ensure the integrity of the process and in all other activities it carried out.

The executive secretary said that the successful bidders would transport and handle the pilgrims expected to perform the spiritual exercise in Israel, Jordan, Rome, and other holy sites to be unveiled by the commission later.

He affirmed that one of his agendas is to fight corruption, adding, “let everyone know that NCPC is proud to represent Christians in Nigeria, integrity is not only preached here but also practiced.”

Pam commended the Secretary to the Government of the Federation for his tireless support of the NCPC.

In his remarks, Chairman, House Committee on Pilgrims Affairs, Abubakar Nalaraba said the transparency of the bidding process would ensure the smooth transportation of pilgrims.

Nalaraba applauded the executive secretary for his tireless efforts in making the pilgrimage exercise a success through his innovative ideas that have brought light to the commission.

The Director General, Bureau of Public Procurement, represented by Mr. Ojougboh Nelson, said due process must be followed to ensure that the bidding is confirmed with set standards.

The NCPC Head of Procurement, Mr. Sunday Umujose who conducted the bid opening exercise, said two submissions were received from air carriers and five from ground handlers.

He assured me that the selection process would be free and fair.

Both Serkan Yazicioglu, Executive Director, ATLASJET Nigeria Ltd, an air carrier, and Sharia Srour of Tabar Tours, a ground handler, said safety was a major component they won’t compromise for Nigerian pilgrims.