By Comfort Olayinka
The House of Representatives Ad-hoc Committee investigating the 2024 Hajj operations has accused the National Hajj Commission (NAHCON) of mishandling subsidies and mismanagement, following complaints of inconsistencies that have left some Nigerian pilgrims without promised financial assistance.
During a tense hearing on Tuesday, Committee Chairman Sada Soli grilled NAHCON officials over disparities in the distribution of subsidies, questioning why some pilgrims received full or half subsidies while others received none despite being equally Nigerian. Soli strongly criticized the Commission for what he described as “selective” and “personalized” handling of the funds meant for Nigerian pilgrims.
“Who gave you the authority to allocate subsidies at will? The Federal Government did not specify how you should distribute them,” Soli remarked, accusing NAHCON of prioritizing personal interests over the welfare of ordinary Nigerians. He called on the Commission to take a more disciplined and transparent approach, urging them to stop using the Hajj as an opportunity for financial gain.
The Committee also raised concerns about the treatment of local airlines, the exchange rates for pilgrims, and the handling of basic travel allowances. Despite a significant allocation of resources, including N90 billion from the Federal Government, Committee members expressed frustration with what they deemed a “failure” in the 2024 Hajj operation.
At one point, Soli told NAHCON Chairman, Abdulahi Saleh Usman, that the agency was “dirty,” to which Usman admitted to the malfeasance within the Commission.
The investigation, which seeks to identify the root causes of the challenges faced by Nigerian pilgrims and ensure a smoother, more efficient Hajj operation in the future, has put NAHCON under intense scrutiny. Soli vowed that the Committee would pursue the investigation to its “logical conclusion, without fear or favour,” ensuring that lessons are learned and the integrity of future Hajj operations is restored.
“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.
