…as chairman NAHCON admit to irregularities within the agency
By Gloria Ikibah
The House of Representatives has expressed concerns about inconsistencies in subsidies for pilgrims by the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria.
This was the discovery by the Ad-hoc Committee investigating the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) and the FCT Muslim Pilgrims Board over the 2024 Hajj exercise on Tuesday, in Abuja.
The Committee Chairman, Rep. Sada Soli accused NAHCON of using these discrepancies to benefit certain interests.
The Commission’s Chairman, Abdullahi Saleh Usman, was absent and was represented by NAHCON’s Commissioner for Operations, to Prince Olarewaju Elegushi. However, Soli insisted that the Chairman appear in person, even directing Elegushi to call him during the hearing.
Soli questioned the unequal subsidy distribution, asking, “How come you are giving full subsidy, half subsidy, and some none, yet they are all Nigerians?” Elegushi explained that those excluded registered after the subsidy allocation had closed. Soli rejected the explanation, stating, “As long as they are Nigerians and pilgrims, they are to enjoy the same privilege.”
The Committee criticized NAHCON’s handling of funds and privileges, saying, “You are giving subsidies at will because you have the authority. Did the Federal Government direct you on how to use it? You are selective because it benefits you.”
Rep. Soli emphasized the need for discipline and fairness, particularly for average Nigerians who save for years to afford the pilgrimage.
The Committee also addressed issues such as discrepancies in travel allowances, exchange rates, and the preference for foreign airlines over local carriers. Soli assured that the investigation would be thorough and unbiased.
Committee member, Rep. Mohammed Umar Bio described the 2024 Hajj exercise as a failure despite substantial funding, including N90 billion from the Federal Government. “With all this funding, NAHCON’s performance was abysmal,” he stated.
When NAHCON Chairman Usman eventually joined the hearing, he admitted to irregularities within the agency. Soli bluntly told him, “Mr. Chairman, NAHCON is very dirty,” to which Usman responded, “Yes, I agree.”
In his opening remarks, Soli highlighted the Committee’s commitment to improving future Hajj operations.
He stated, “Our goal is to ensure every pilgrim’s journey is safe, organized, and spiritually fulfilling. Unfortunately, this year’s Hajj faced numerous challenges, from logistical issues to inadequate services. This investigation aims to identify the root causes and develop strategies to prevent a recurrence.”
He acknowledged the contributions of stakeholders, including NAHCON officials, travel agencies, airlines, and pilgrims, emphasizing the importance of collaboration in finding solutions. Soli assured transparency and fairness in the investigation, pledging to submit a detailed report to the House.