The removed chairman, Malam Jalal Arabi, underestimated them. By the time he returned to Nigeria, his reputation was irreparably damaged. His file at the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), were filled with petitions and classified information

By Abdulfattah Abdussalam

One of the key functions of NAHCON as entrenched in the establishment act is to engage in providing accommodation, transportation and other services related to the performance of the Hajj and Umrah to pilgrims in Saudi Arabia. Unfortunately this role is affected by conflicts, impacting the Commission’s image and efficiency. Perhaps, if NAHCON has held onto this provision some of the problems that beset it might not have been. Currently, what operates during the Hajj operations is a 3-tier accommodation system. NAHCON has already surrendered its role to provide accommodations for Nigerian Pilgrims in Makkah to the Association of Secretaries and Chairmen of State Muslim Pilgrims’ welfare Boards. It only provides accommodation for Nigerian pilgrims in Madinah.

Ironically, NAHCON’s image is often tarnished due to Makkah accommodations. In 2023 Hajj operation, it took the intervention of NAHCON to relocate the FCT pilgrims away from poor accommodations provided by FCT board officials. NAHCON was unfairly blamed for the offense of the FCT officials. In 2024, a viral video from Osun State, accommodation in Makkah, created issues for NAHCON. It took a lot of efforts to address the misleading video that criticized its efforts in feeding the pilgrims. NAHCON is not responsible for pilgrim feeding and accommodation in Makkah. It has since ceded that role to the Association of Secretaries and Chairmen of State Muslim Pilgrims’ welfare Boards. In addition, while the roles of NAHCON do not get to Mashir areas, any hitch in that leg of Hajj operations is blamed on NAHCON. Unfortunately, NAHCON has limited control over this.

The Saudi Arabian government controls the rites in Mashair, including feeding and accommodation. The situation is complicated and confounding for NAHCON by officials of the State Pilgrims Welfare Boards because often, officials of State pilgrims’ boards often fail to inform NAHCON about VIPs traveling with them, which causes problems. Consequently, NAHCON is blamed for these issues. The ugly situations in 2023 and 2024 respectively are worth mentioning. In 2023 the Emir of Zazzau Emirate, Kaduna State, HRH Ahmed Nuhu Bamalli CFR, due to discomfort he experienced in Mashir, petitioned against the 4th Board, leading to its dismissal. Similarly, His Excellency Governor Mohammed Umar Bago of Niger State, dissatisfied with the services for the Niger State pilgrim’s board, blamed NAHCON, resulting in consequences for Malam Jalal Arabi. The issue of VIP tents in Mina is often exploited against NAHCON. Members of the Association of Hajj and Umrah Operators of Nigeria (AHUON) attempt to use Tent-A (higher quality) by paying for Tent-C (lower quality), causing disruptions at the Mina.

Another flash point for NAHCON is the numerous sycophants and their disruptive activities. For every chairman, these set of praise singers often position themselves at vantage place, so as to have the attention of the Chairman. Regrettably, they have done more harm in the last two years than good. Leading the pack is a set of journalists, who will rather mortgage the ethics of journalism, for personal gain during Hajj. Interestingly, these set of journalists are grouped into blocs. We once had the Abuja Mafia, the Kaduna Mafia, and now the Kano Mafia. A set will be making sweeping allegations and conclusions that filled with hatred and malicious dispositions. Their objectives are to bring down the chairman, board and management staff of the commission. The 4th Board, led by Alhaji Zikirullah Kunle Hassan, was a victim of this set. The other set praise sings the chairman and his board members, without telling them the reality, leading the chairman to make detrimental mistakes at the detriment of Nigerian pilgrims. Malam Jalal Arabi was also a victim of their activities.

One can only hope the current chairman, a gentleman to the core, will not allow the current praise singers mislead him. Each of these groups has different vested interest and while pursuing their interest they put NAHCON and top management into disrepute. The fact remains NAHCON staff is polarized into different divides. They work at cross purposes for selfish interest and pecuniary gains. Each divides working to undo each other. It is a force that will need the Wisdom of Solomon and the maturity of Methuselah to overcome. Constantly, its dynamics and alignments changes, but its potency is like destructive volcano larva. The removed chairman, Malam Jalal Arabi, underestimated them. By the time he returned to Nigeria, his reputation was irreparably damaged. His file at the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), were filled with petitions and classified information.

These centrifugal forces have to be tamed for the current board under the chairmanship of Professor Saleh Abdullahi Usman (Pakistan) to succeed. The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) Management should be proactive, apply firm but fair methods and be daring where necessary. Treating these forces with kid-gloves is not an option in the circumstances the commission finds itself. Stakeholders in the industry must join the Board Management and well-meaning staff to help the commission to henceforth have successful Hajj operations. If genuine stakeholders support NAHCON, the commission must be firm and decisive in addressing these issues before the next Hajj exercise.

May Allah’s will guide the National Hajj Commission in the coming months. The 2025 Hajj operation is crucial for Nigeria; therefore, all stakeholders must collaborate to ensure smooth arrangements and oppose those who seek to disrupt the Commission’s efforts. Professor Saleh Abdullahi Usman and his team must prepare for significant challenges and undertake major reforms to achieve lasting success. NAHCON must adhere to the schedule set by the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah and heed their warning about delays in Hajj arrangements.