Maryam Aminu
The Association for Hajj and Umrah Operators of Nigeria (AHUON) has officially suspended all preparations for Hajj 2025 until further notice.
This directive, signed by the association’s president, AbdulLateef Yusuff Ekundayo, comes as a result of ongoing tensions between AHUON and the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) over unresolved financial disputes.
In a statement released to journalists on Thursday in Abuja, AHUON leadership called on its members to halt any submissions related to Hajj 2025, particularly forms and payments, until a counter directive is issued.
The association has been engaged in a prolonged dispute with NAHCON concerning accumulated refunds from previous Hajj operations, an issue that is yet to be resolved despite several appeals.
AHUON expressed frustration with NAHCON’s delay tactics, as the commission responded to the association’s repeated requests only recently, on September 24, 2024.
NAHCON’s justification for the delay was to synchronize the Hajj processing timeline with the Saudi Arabian Hajj calendar. However, AHUON members view this as an unacceptable excuse that does not address the pressing issue of the unpaid refunds.
The association’s National Executive Council (NEC), in consultation with its Board of Trustees (BOT), unanimously agreed that suspending the preparations for Hajj 2025 is necessary to ensure that their demands are met.
AHUON has vowed to explore all legal means to recover the refunds owed to its members and ensure that their rights are protected.
This suspension marks a significant escalation in the ongoing dispute and poses potential challenges for Hajj operators and pilgrims across Nigeria.
AHUON called on its members to remain patient and united during this difficult period, expressing hope that the matter will be resolved soon.
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