An independent Hajj Operators’ body, known as AHUON, has cautioned stakeholders, including the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) against turning Hajj operations in the country into what it called “ATM” machine for milking the country of its funds.
It said: “Hajj industry should not be seen as an ATM waiting to be cashed.”
In a statement today, April 6, by its Public Relations Officer, Adamu Hassan Abdullahi, AHUON stressed that its members would not be intimated by NAHCON in its attempts to discredit them through sponsored media articles and blackmail.
The group said that it is in possession of documentary evidence of the agreements signed between NAHCON and Ithraa al Joud Company, which were executed without duress.
It said that if NAHCON is claiming that Ithraa al Joud is unfit, there was no reason why it hastily signed the agreement with it, asking: “What happened to their supposed due diligence?
“It appears that NAHCON only realized the company’s alleged shortcomings after the fact.
“The credibility of the so-called Association that NAHCON is supporting is questionable, having changed its name from HUTOUN to HUTOUA in a short span.
“This association, allegedly birthed by the current Commissioner of Operations, seems to be manipulating the Chairman.
“We’d like to remind NAHCON of the following:
– *The Association of Hajj Women Tour Operators*, registered in March 2024, was not recognized by NAHCON. Why was this legitimate body ignored?
– *AHUON’s decade-long existence*: Our association has consistently stood up for the rights of its members and pilgrims, which seems to be a thorn in NAHCON’s side.
– *NAHCON’s questionable actions*:
– Paying for over 52,000 Hajj seats without having the corresponding number of pilgrims.
– Potential consequences if pilgrims are not found.
– Huge sums paid for services not rendered.
– *NAHCON’s role*: Where in the Establishment Act is NAHCON allowed to be an operator rather than a regulator?
– *Refunds for unrendered services*: What happened to the money refunded to tour operators for services not rendered in 2022 and 2023 by Ithraa al Joud Company?
– *Potential lawsuits*: What if tour operators sue NAHCON for breach of agreements already signed?
“We’d also like to highlight that:
– *NAHCON forced Ithraa al Joud on Nigerians*: The commission pushed for the company’s involvement despite AHUON’s initial reservations.
– *AHUON’s conditions for working with Ithraa al Joud*: We demanded refunds for unrendered services, improved services at the Mashair, and other concessions.
– *Ithraa al Joud’s prompt response*: The company refunded money for underrendered services to tour operators through NAHCON, which has yet to disburse these funds.
– *NAHCON’s true intentions*: It seems that the commission aims to frustrate AHUON and truncate the contract due to the company’s refusal to compromise on kickbacks.
AHUON warned those that have been hired to discredit it to desist.
“AHUON is a body of respected and honorable businessmen and women who are not only advancing the cause of Islam but also contributing to the Nigerian economy and employment generation. NAHCON’s attempts to suffocate us have led us to voice our grievances and concerns to the public.
“We are not contesting NAHCON’s role as a regulatory body, but we believe that tour operators should be allowed to breathe. If we are not in business, how do we pay our bills?y
“The National Assembly’s recent establishment of an Adhoc Committee to hear complaints and suggestions on making Hajj operations seamless, attractive, and cost-effective is a step in the right direction. However, the event is being politicized, and political aides are scrambling to partake in running the Hajj, disregarding the pains it will inflict on the final beneficiaries.
“We urge all stakeholders to look beyond personal gains and do the right thing. The Hajj industry should not be seen as an ATM waiting to be cashed.”
