The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), has expressed fear that the 2025 Hajj operations to Saudi Arabia is being threatened by the decision of the Association for Hajj and Umrah Operators in Nigeria (AHOUN) to withdraw their services in the operations.
A statement by the spokesperson of NAHCON, Fatima Sanda Usara said that the recent directive by AHOUN instructing their members to suspend participation in 2025 Hajj preparations is a matter for concern.
NAHCON said that it acknowledge the issues raised regarding accumulated refunds, and that it has been in continuous communication with AHOUN on this matter and remains committed to addressing all legitimate concerns.
“The delay in resolving certain financial issues stems from the complexities of Hajj operations, which involve multiple stakeholders both locally and internationally, including Saudi authorities.
“NAHCON wishes to reassure AHOUN and the general public that the Commission has no intention of downplaying or neglecting the issue of refunds. On 24th September 2024, NAHCON communicated with AHOUN regarding the urgency of aligning with the Saudi Hajj calendar to avoid disruptions in the 2025 Hajj preparations, a position we still maintain as critical.
“Recently, the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah directed that only 20 lead companies would organize Hajj from Nigeria for ease of coordination and proper regulation.
“However, in good faith, NAHCON has agreed to mergers and consolidation to give all interested parties an opportunity to remain in business but with the interest of serving pilgrims satisfactorily in mind.
“Thus, as regulators, NAHCON strongly believes that open dialogue and continued collaboration are the best ways to resolve these matters without causing unnecessary disruptions that could affect the pilgrims and operators alike. NAHCON remains open to further discussions with AHOUN to iron out any lingering concerns and work towards a swift resolution.
“In the meantime, NAHCON advises AHOUN leadership and its members to allow ongoing arrangements to yield the desired results without impeding the timely planning of the 2025 Hajj operations. “This is in the best interest of all parties involved because with or without AHUON, Arafat will still hold on the stipulated date.
“NAHCON’s doors are open for discussions.”
This came as AHOUN called out on its members to boycott the preparations for the 2025 Hajj operations.
The President of AHUON, AbdulLateef Yusuff Ekundayo, in a notice, asked members to suspend all actions relating to the Hajj 2025 preparations until they are paid the backlog of about N15 Billion.
He said that those who have made payment for hajj 2025 should not submit it until a counter directive is given.
“Members that have collected the form, submitted it, and made payment should send the name of their company to the zonal VP
“The NEC has met with our BOT members, and we all agreed that this action is necessitated in order to ensure that all our requests before NAHCON are duly met, especially our accumulated refunds over the years
“It is worthy of note that NAHCON responded to our several letters of request only on Tuesday, 24th Sept 2024, giving an excuse that Hajj processing should not be delayed to align with the Saudi Hajj calendar.
“This, to us, is their usual tactics over the years with regards to the issues of accumulated refunds with them and can no longer be tolerated.
“We implore our dear members to stay action and continue to support our determination to explore all legal means of recovering our members’ rights and set a good precedence for both parties.
“This period is no doubt challenging, but with your support and prayers, there is a light at the end of the tunnel Bi’izinilLahi Rahman.”
