By Tony Obiechina, Abuja

The Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission, Rev. Yakubu Pam has said that NCPC will get it better in the 2022 Pilgrimage Exercise to Israel, Jordan, Rome and Greece.

He made this assertion at the financial bid opening process which took place at the NCPC Conference hall on 7th November, 2022.

Rev. Pam said, “the essence of the bidding is not just about the opening of it, but majorly has to do with services given to distinguished Nigerians who have paid their money to be used judiciously while on pilgrimage to the Holy land and should receive good and quality services.”

The NCPC Chief Executive added that for the past two years he has been in office, some service deliveries have been very successful especially the Commission’s maiden pilgrimage to Jordan.

In his words, “We were able to deliver to Nigerians who were proud of NCPC; today the story is still fresh in the hearts of Nigerians that they received a red carpet reception in Jordan, five star hotels were used, the food was tasteful and airbuses used were sound and good.”

The NCPC Boss however, disclosed that the last pilgrimage to Rome had many challenges and hitches which must be worked on going forward. He further disclosed that it was an experience NCPC would never wish to have in its entire history, adding that “it is on this basis that the bidding exercise must be looked into carefully.

Rev. Pam intimated the bidders that the last pilgrimage report is still being scrutinized to ensure that the mismanagements are corrected for future operations. He assured that he would scrutinize every aspect of the bidding process to ensure the possibility of very resounding services for Nigerians. He said, “It is not about NCPC alone but Nigerians and distinguished Nigerians”, “it is based on this that I wish you all good luck in this exercise.”

All the Directors of the Commission and Management staff witnessed the financial bid opening as well as observers from the Civil Society Organization.

In September 2022 the Commission held its technical bid opening for all its service providers for the 2022 pilgrimage exercise and those who met with the criteria for selection were invited for the financial bid.

The bid opening exercise was conducted by the Head of Procurement, Mr. Sunday Umojose. The bid opening exercise had submissions from one air carriers and four ground handlers. He intimated the bidders that the evaluation processes would start as possible while assuring that the entire selection process would be free and fair.