The Association for Hajj and Umrah Operators of Nigeria (AHUON) has raised concerns regarding the distribution of the N90 billion subsidy approved to alleviate the impact of high exchange rates for Nigerian pilgrims participating in the 2024 Hajj.
In a statement signed by AHUON National President Abdulateef Ekundayo and Secretary General Muhammad Chom, the association claimed that none of the international pilgrims received any portion of the subsidy. They asserted that despite assurances from the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) that the subsidy would benefit all pilgrims, international participants were excluded.
“Our attention has been drawn to some of the major highlights from the recently organized ‘World Press conference’ by the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON).
Under normal circumstances, such forum should have been an essential avenue for all stakeholders in the Hajj and Umrah management to air their views, raised questions and proffers solutions on the perennial failure of the NAHCON to conduct and manage a hitch free and delightful Hajj operation.
Instead, NAHCON used the occasion to blow its trumpet and presented misleading statistics as if everything went right without any problem in the just concluded 2024 Hajj,” the statement read.
AHUON emphasized their role as a critical stakeholder in Hajj and Umrah management, asserting their right to be informed about press conferences. They expressed their obligation to inform Nigerians about their experiences and the true situation, particularly on issues affecting their members.
The association highlighted a specific instance of contention, the mismanagement at Tent ‘A’ (VIP Tent) in Muna, where Nigerian dignitaries faced harassment. AHUON refuted NAHCON’s narrative, which they claimed unfairly blamed tour operators for the incident. They clarified that NAHCON alone selected and appointed all service providers for the 2024 Hajj, including accommodation, feeding, tents, and transportation.
AHUON further alleged that NAHCON created additional, unofficial tents purchased and paid for in cash, circumventing the Hajj E-track system. They called on NAHCON to disclose how many pilgrims used Tent ‘A’ services and to clarify the source of their visas and access permits.
The association criticized NAHCON for collecting a $100 service charge per pilgrim, totaling approximately $1.4 million (over N2 billion), without ensuring the delivery of paid services. They challenged NAHCON to identify the tour operators allegedly involved in Tent ‘A’ racketeering.
AHUON called on the National Assembly to investigate the management of Hajj in Nigeria, beyond the superficial “World Press Conference.” They urged NAHCON leadership to stop blaming their members for the Commission’s perpetual failures in delivering a smooth Hajj experience for Nigerian pilgrims.