By Jabiru Hassan, Kano
Independent Hajj Reporters (IHR), a civil society organization that monitors and reports on Hajj and Umrah activities in Nigeria and Saudi Arabia, has called on the Acting Chairman of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Professor Abdullahi Usman Saleh, to concentrate his efforts on the sluggish preparations for the 2025 Hajj.
In a statement signed by its national coordinator, Ibrahim Muhammed, IHR welcomed the acting chairman on his formal resumption of office.
“You are taking charge of the driver’s seat of the Hajj industry at a critical moment in the life of NAHCON since its creation via the NAHCON Establishment Act of 2006 to serve as the apex Hajj regulatory authority in Nigeria. The image and integrity of the Nigerian Hajj industry have been compromised and urgently require restoration to regain the confidence and trust of pilgrims and the Nigerian Muslim Ummah,” the statement said.
IHR urged Professor Saleh to restructure NAHCON’s internal operating framework to enhance service delivery to pilgrims, similar to the approaches being developed by the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah.
“We advise the new NAHCON leader to be cautious of distractions that may divert him from the crucial task of ensuring that Nigerian pilgrims receive timely and quality service. This includes proper coordination with other operational stakeholders, such as State Muslim Pilgrims Boards and licensed private Hajj and Umrah operators, to deliver effective services.
“Close your ears to flattery from praise singers and writers; instead, welcome insights from those with operational expertise. Listen to advice and suggestions from your inner circle, but discern what is right and wrong. Engage your commissioners and staff in all decisions, keeping in mind that you are the chief accounting officer and will be held accountable for all implemented decisions. Always prioritize the welfare of and services to Nigerian pilgrims, and learn from the avoidable mistakes of your predecessors,” IHR advised.
“The immediate task before the commission is to create a realistic Hajj fare computation template, encourage State Muslim Pilgrim Welfare Boards to promote awareness about 2025 Hajj pilgrim registrations, revise the pilgrim orientation manual to emphasize performing Hajj rites and achieving Hajj Mabrur rather than promising unattainable luxury services. Address the genuine concerns of licensed Hajj and Umrah operators, establish merit-based guidelines for selecting ad-hoc committees during Hajj operations, and implement a carrot-and-stick approach in dealing with your staff. Choose Hajj service providers that possess the capacity and experience to serve our pilgrims, both onshore and offshore,” it added.
“As a civil society organization that has significantly contributed to the dissemination of information to the Muslim Ummah and promoted healthy competition, we will continue to support and advocate for transparency and accountability, regardless of who is involved. We will also maintain existing public and private channels for raising observations, offering suggestions, and performing surveillance functions as journalists.”
