Allegations of mismanagement and withholding of approximately N95.75bn have sparked controversy at the National Hajj Commission, prompting the Association for Hajj and Umrah Operators of Nigeria to demand an investigation into the commission’s affairs.
Accusations range from misuse of President Bola Tinubu’s N90bn intervention funds intended to offset the impact of the high dollar-to-naira exchange rate during the 2024 hajj operation, to mistreatment of Nigerian pilgrims and withholding of agents’ N2.75bn initial deposits.
Further claims include the retention of N1bn belonging to 200 agents from their 2023 hajj operations’ initial deposits, and misappropriation of over N2bn gathered from a N1bn service charge levied on each pilgrim, with little corresponding service delivery, leading to a standoff between AHOUN and the commission.
Stakeholders have intensified calls for the restructuring of NAHCON, advocating for its role to be strictly regulatory rather than operational in light of these allegations.
Recently, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) summoned NAHCON’s Chairman, Jalal Arabi, for questioning regarding the alleged mismanagement of funds from the 2024 Hajj exercise, as confirmed by an EFCC insider who remains anonymous.
Expressing frustration with the commission, AHOUN’s National President, Abdullateef Ekundayo, highlighted how NAHCON’s actions were jeopardizing agents’ credibility and impacting their business operations.
He urged the intervention of the Federal Government to address the situation promptly and ensure necessary reforms within the commission.
Ekundayo explained the financial requirements imposed by NAHCON, emphasizing the operational disruptions caused by delays in fund transfers and the challenges faced by operators in retrieving their N25m deposits.
Efforts to secure refunds have been met with bureaucratic hurdles, with operators being directed to personally visit Abuja for reconciliation before their funds are released.
Despite numerous complaints and requests for reimbursement, many operators are still waiting for their deposits to be refunded, raising concerns about systemic delays and lack of transparency within NAHCON.
Various industry members have also alleged widespread fraud within the commission, further fueling the ongoing controversy and demand for accountability.
Attempts to reach NAHCON’s spokesperson, Fatimah Usara, for comment were unsuccessful as calls and messages went unanswered.