The Association for Hajj and Umrah Operators of Nigeria (AHUON) has expressed concerns over the distribution of the N90 billion subsidy allowed to offset the impact of high exchange rates on Nigerian pilgrims participating in the 2024 Hajj.
In a statement issued by AHUON National President Abdulateef Ekundayo and Secretary General Muhammad Chom, the organisation stated that none of the international pilgrims received any of the subsidies. They said that despite guarantees from the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) that the subsidy would be available to all pilgrims, international participation were excluded.
“Our attention has been directed to some of the significant points of the recently held ‘World Press Conference’ by the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON).
Under normal conditions, such a conference would have been an important channel for all stakeholders in Hajj and Umrah management to express their opinions, raise issues, and provide answers to the NAHCON’s repeated inability to execute and manage a smooth and enjoyable Hajj operation.
Instead, NAHCON seized the occasion to blow its trumpet and provide deceptive figures as if everything went smoothly during the recently finished 2024 Hajj,” the statement added.
AHUON emphasised their role as a key stakeholder in Hajj and Umrah management, claiming the right to be informed of press conferences. They expressed their commitment to informing Nigerians about their experiences and the genuine situation, particularly on matters impacting their members.
The organisation noted a specific point of contention: mishandling at Tent ‘A’ (VIP Tent) in Muna, where Nigerian dignitaries were harassed. AHUON disputed NAHCON’s narrative, claiming it unfairly targeted tour operators for the tragedy. They clarified that NAHCON alone chose and designated all service providers for the 2024 Hajj, including lodging, food, tents, and transportation.
AHUON further claimed that NAHCON manufactured additional, illegal tents that were acquired and paid for in cash, bypassing the Hajj E-track system. They want NAHCON to reveal how many pilgrims used Tent ‘A’ services and to clarify the origin of their visas and access credentials.
The group chastised NAHCON for charging a $100 service fee each pilgrim, totalling over $1.4 million (almost N2 billion), without insuring the delivery of paid services. They asked NAHCON to identify the tour operators allegedly implicated 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.