Real reason behind NAHCON’s bickerings, misunderstandings – Spokesperson speaks out

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has acknowledged internal frictions within the organization, attributing the tensions to possible misunderstandings regarding the roles and responsibilities of various stakeholders in the Hajj industry.

This was disclosed in a statement issued on Tuesday in Abuja by the commission’s spokesperson, Fatima Usara. According to her, the ongoing bickerings are unfortunate, especially as the commission intensifies efforts to ensure a smooth and successful Hajj pilgrimage this year.

Usara did not go into specific details about the nature of the frictions. However, her comments appear to be in response to recent media reports highlighting tensions within NAHCON’s leadership.

READ ALSO: NAHCON extends registration deadline for 2025 Hajj

A report by Daily Trust on Tuesday indicated that some board members of the commission had voiced dissatisfaction with the leadership style of NAHCON Chairman, Abdullahi Usman, suggesting growing discontent within the commission’s top ranks.

According to reports, some aggrieved board members, who are also commissioners, had written a petition to Vice President Kashim Shettima, accusing Mr Usman, a professor, of gross misconduct, violation of procurement regulations and exclusion from activities at the commission.

The petitioners alleged that they were sidelined by the commission from the pre-hajj visits to Saudi Arabia, the fixing of Hajj fare, the selection of tour operators and Saudi service providers, and procurement, among other oversight functions.

Mrs Usara admitted that the development is a cause for concern but assured that despite differing opinions, all parties share a common concern for the welfare of the pilgrims.

“Recently, the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has, unfortunately, witnessed a series of bickering and exchanges in the media. This development, coming at a critical period when preparations for Hajj are peaking, is indeed a cause for concern.

“However, on the positive side, these exchanges reflect the keen interest of various stakeholders in ensuring the success of Hajj. It shows that, despite differing opinions, all parties share a common concern for the welfare of the pilgrims.

“That said, the back-and-forth also indicates a possible gap in understanding the specific roles and responsibilities of the different actors within the Hajj industry. This misunderstanding is perhaps responsible for some of the frictions being experienced as more efforts are geared towards the successful delivery of Hajj 2025,” she said.

The spokesperson said the commission fully understands these dynamics and, therefore, appealed to all stakeholders to kindly prioritise collaboration towards the immediate goal of delivering a successful Hajj exercise.

“We assure all concerned that, by Allah’s grace, the commission will convene such a retreat after the Hajj, where all issues can be thoroughly discussed and amicably resolved,” she stated.

Read the full statement

NAHCON: Let’s Work Together for a Successful Hajj

Recently, the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has, unfortunately, witnessed a series of bickering and exchanges in the media. This development, coming at a critical period when preparations for Hajj are peaking, is indeed a cause for concern.

However, on the positive side, these exchanges reflect the keen interest of various stakeholders in ensuring the success of Hajj. It shows that, despite differing opinions, all parties share a common concern for the welfare of the pilgrims.

That said, the back-and-forth also indicates a possible gap in understanding the specific roles and responsibilities of the different actors within the Hajj industry. This misunderstanding is perhaps responsible for some of the frictions being experienced as more efforts are geared towards the successful delivery of Hajj 2025.

It is worth recalling that since the assumption of office by the new NAHCON Chairman, Prof Abdullahi Saleh Usman, there has hardly been sufficient time to convene a stakeholders’ conference or retreat where roles, responsibilities, and limitations of each party could be clearly spelt out. Also recall that before his untimely exit from office, Malam Jalal Ahmad Arabi had indeed planned to hold such a retreat to address contentious issues and promote smoother operations going forward.

The Commission fully understands these dynamics and, therefore, appeals to all stakeholders to kindly prioritize collaboration towards the immediate goal of delivering a successful Hajj exercise. We assure all concerned that, by Allah’s grace, the Commission will convene such a retreat after the Hajj, where all issues can be thoroughly discussed and amicably resolved.

For now, our stakeholders’ collective priority should be ensuring the success of the forthcoming Hajj, especially considering the huge financial, emotional, and spiritual investments that pilgrims have made in order to discharge this spiritual obligation. Let not our differences of understanding affect the trust reposed on us to serve our pilgrims efficiently.

In another development, the Commission has received an official notice from Saudi Arabia informing that 13th April is the deadline for those who wish to enter the kingdom for Umrah, and 29th April is the deadline for those in kingdom for Umrah to exit the country in preparation for this year Hajj.

The notice says any violation will attract a fine of SR100,000 (one hundred thousand Saudi Riyals). Please all Umrah pilgrims are advised to be guided by this directive to avoid any embarrassment.

Fatima Sanda Usara,
Assistant Director, Information and Publication,
For Chairman NAHCON