Maryam Aminu
The Association for Hajj and Umrah Operators of Nigeria (AHUON) has voiced deep concerns over the management of Hajj operations by the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), accusing the regulatory body of mismanagement and neglecting critical issues affecting private tour operators.
The National President AHUON, Abdullateef Ekundayo Yusuf who made this assertion in a statement made available to journalists in the early hours of Saturday in Abuja, highlighted several unresolved issues ahead of the 2025 Hajj season.
AHUON disputed NAHCON’s claim of open communication with tour operators, stating that since the conclusion of the 2024 Hajj, the association had sent five letters to NAHCON, receiving only one response in September 2024. Even that response, according to AHUON, failed to address pressing concerns, including requests for meetings and discussions over key issues.
One of the most alarming accusations made by AHUON is NAHCON’s refusal to settle an outstanding debt of over N15 billion owed to its members from past Hajj operations.
The Association disclosed that the sum includes refunds for services paid for by pilgrims but either poorly delivered or not provided at all.
Despite reportedly receiving SAR 20 million in refunds from the Saudi authorities in December 2023, NAHCON has yet to inform or reimburse AHUON members, according to Yusuf.
AHUON further criticized NAHCON for withholding over N2.7 billion in caution deposits from tour operators, a sum that was supposed to be refunded two weeks after the completion of the 2024 Hajj. Instead, NAHCON has demanded additional deposits for the upcoming Hajj, sparking frustration among private operators.
The association also raised concerns about NAHCON’s handling of government subsidies, alleging that the N90 billion subsidy provided by the federal government last year was distributed exclusively to state pilgrims, leaving private tour operators’ pilgrims out of the scheme.
Another contentious point is NAHCON’s allocation of slots meant for tour operators to other government agencies, which AHUON claims disrupts their ability to provide VIP services during key stages of the pilgrimage.
The association further called out NAHCON for mandating fees in foreign currency, such as the $100 per pilgrim service charge levied last year, questioning the rationale behind such costs.
Yusuf emphasized that while AHUON acknowledges NAHCON’s authority to oversee the Hajj process, the Commission must address these unresolved issues rather than “passing judgment” on whether or not tour operators are ready for the 2025 Hajj season.
He reiterated AHUON’s commitment to its members and pilgrims, stating, “Only Allah can decide who performs the Hajj in 2025.”
As the 2025 Hajj season approaches, tensions between AHUON and NAHCON appear to be escalating, with significant financial and operational concerns still unresolved. The association’s call for transparency and accountability could force a reevaluation of the regulatory body’s practices ahead of the pilgrimage.
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