The Ad-Hoc Committee of the House of Representatives investigating the National Hajj Commission (NAHCON) and the Federal Capital Territory Administration Muslim Pilgrims Board over their handling of the 2024 Hajj exercise on Wednesday, described the agency as dirty.
It would be recalled that the House in July 2024, set up 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 arrangement and treatment of Nigerian pilgrims during the 2024 Hajj exercise,’ sponsored by Hon. Omar Bio from Kwara State.
The President Bola Tinubu administration had in May, provided N90 billion subsidy for the 2024 hajj exercise, a move criticised by many Nigerians.
Despite the Federal Government’s intervention, some state governors lamented the handling of the operation by NAHCON, particularly the accommodation in the city of Muna and inadequate basic travel allowance for pilgrims.
Subsequently, President Tinubu in August, sacked the chairman of the commission, Jalal Arabi, and replaced him with Abdullahi Usman.
At the investigative hearing on Wednesday in Abuja, the Chairman of the Committee and member representing Jibia/Kaita Federal Constituency, Sada Soli, told the NAHCON chairman that he is running a dirty agency.
“Mr. Chairman, I pity you. You are in an organisation that is very dirty. NAHCON is very dirty,” the Katsina lawmaker said.
“Yes, I agree,” Usman responded.
Soli in his earlier remark, stated that it was the committee’s mandate to ensure future hajj operations are organised in a manner devoid of 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. 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.”
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