Maryam Aminu
The Association of Hajj and Umrah Operators of Nigeria (AHOUN) has raised concerns following the recent World Press Conference by the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON).
The Association challenged NAHCON account of the recent Hajj 2024, alleging misleading statistics and a lack of transparency.
AHOUN claims that none of its members received the N90 billion subsidy approved by the government, despite promises from NAHCON.
The Association also disputes NAHCON’s narrative on the Tent ‘A’ incident, where Nigerian dignitaries were harassed and disgraced.
AHOUN accuses NAHCON of single-handedly selecting service providers without input from the Association or its members, leading to conflicts of interest and a lack of fairness.
The Association demands answers on the distribution of the N90 billion subsidy and the true circumstances surrounding the Tent ‘A’ incident.
AHOUN calls on the National Assembly to investigate NAHCON’s management of Hajj 2024 and to hold the Commission accountable for its failures.
They urged NAHCON to take responsibility for its actions and to stop blaming Tour Operators for its shortcomings.
This dispute highlights concerns about transparency and accountability in the management of Hajj operations in Nigeria, with AHOUN seeking a more inclusive and fair approach to ensure a smooth and hitch-free experience for Nigerian pilgrims.
AHOUN criticized NAHCON for presenting what they consider misleading statistics, claiming that the commission failed to address significant issues affecting the Hajj operations of 2024.
AHOUN asserts that international pilgrims did not benefit from the N90 billion subsidy intended to ease the burden of high exchange rates. Despite promises from NAHCON, none of the international pilgrims, represented by AHOUN, received any financial support from this subsidy.
AHOUN questioned the fairness of NAHCON’s distribution, pointing out that international pilgrims are also Nigerian citizens deserving of such concessions.
The association also highlighted an incident at Tent ‘A’ (VIP Tent) in Muna, where Nigerian dignitaries faced harassment and disgrace.
AHOUN accused NAHCON of deflecting responsibility and painting tour operators as the culprits. According to AHOUN, NAHCON unilaterally selected and appointed service providers for various Hajj services without consulting the association or its members.
AHOUN revealed that some tour operators had purchased Tent ‘A’ services through the official Hajj
The Association demands answers on the true circumstances surrounding the Tent ‘A’ incident.
AHOUN calls on the National Assembly to investigate NAHCON’s management of Hajj 2024 and to hold the Commission accountable for its failures.
The Association urges NAHCON to take responsibility for its actions and to stop blaming Tour Operators for its shortcomings.
This dispute highlights concerns about transparency and accountability in the management of Hajj operations in Nigeria, with AHOUN seeking a more inclusive and fair approach to ensure a smooth and hitch-free experience for Nigerian pilgrims.
Africa Security Investigation News 