Reps committee slams NAHCON’s ‘dirty’ operations during 2024 Hajj

The Special Committee set up by the House of Representatives to probe the National Hajj Commission and the Federal Capital Territory Administration Muslim Pilgrims Board over their handling of the 2024 Hajj exercise has described the commission as “dirty.”

In July 2024, the Green Chamber established the panel following the adoption of a motion titled “Urgent Need to Investigate the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria and the FCTA Muslims Pilgrims Welfare Board over the Shoddy Arrangements and Treatment of Nigerian Pilgrims During the 2024 Hajj Exercise,” sponsored by Mr Omar Bio, the member representing the Buruten/Kaima Federal Constituency of Kwara State.

In May, President Bola Tinubu’s administration provided a N90bn subsidy for the 2024 Hajj exercise. This move sparked discontent among many Nigerians, who argued that the subsidy, given the ongoing hardships exacerbated by the removal of the fuel subsidy, would have been better allocated to address more pressing needs than a religious obligation.

Despite the Federal Government’s intervention, some state governors lamented the handling of the operation by NAHCON, particularly the accommodation in Muna and the inadequate Basic Travel Allowance for pilgrims.

In August, President Tinubu responded to the growing controversy by relieving the embattled Chairman of the commission, Jalal Arabi, of his duties and replacing him with Abdullahi Usman.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission had previously indicted Arabi and NAHCON’s secretary, Abdullahi Kontangora, in connection with a multi-million-dollar fraud scheme they allegedly masterminded.

At the investigative hearing on Wednesday in Abuja, the Chairman of the Committee and member representing the Jibia/Kaita Federal Constituency, Sada Soli, told the NAHCON Chairman that he was presiding over a “dirty” agency.

“Mr Chairman, I pity you. You are in an organisation that is very dirty. NAHCON is very dirty,” said the Katsina lawmaker.

“Yes, I agree,” Usman responded.

Soli, in his opening remarks, stated that it was the Committee’s mandate to ensure future Hajj operations are organised without unnecessary bottlenecks.

He said, “Today marks a significant step in our ongoing effort to address the various challenges faced by Nigerian pilgrims during the most recent Hajj operations and to ensure we develop comprehensive solutions that improve future pilgrimages.

“As you are aware, the Hajj is one of the most important spiritual journeys for millions of Muslims around the world, including many Nigerians. It is a deeply personal and transformative experience, one that pilgrims invest a great deal of faith, time, and resources into. Unfortunately, this year’s Hajj was met with several operational difficulties and complaints from our citizens, many of whom felt that the services provided did not meet the standards they expected.

“These challenges, ranging from logistical issues to inadequate services, are what have brought us here today. The House of Representatives has mandated this committee to carry out a thorough investigation into the root causes of these problems and to recommend strategies that will prevent their recurrence in the future.

“I want to take this opportunity to express our gratitude to all stakeholders present here today, from officials of NAHCON to travel agencies, airlines, and other service providers, as well as the pilgrims who have come forward with their experiences. Your participation is vital to the success of this process. This hearing is not just about identifying problems, but also about working together to find solutions that will ensure future Hajj operations are seamless, efficient, and worthy of the expectations placed upon them.

“The insights, experiences, and recommendations shared during these hearings will play a critical role in informing our final report, which will be submitted to the House. We are committed to transparency, thoroughness, and fairness in this investigation, and we ask for your full cooperation in making this process as productive as possible.”