By Usman Bakare
In July 2024, amidst the bustling atmosphere of Makkah, Saudi Arabia, the Nigeria Hajj Commission (NAHCON) was working diligently. While part of NAHCON’s team was focused on arranging the safe return of Nigerian pilgrims, another team was already preparing for the 2025 Hajj operations. This groundwork began in their Ummul Jud office, where NAHCON officials reviewed and approved the calendar of events and Nigeria’s Hajj manual for the coming year, setting the stage for future planning.
As a proactive measure, NAHCON issued an advertisement in selected Nigerian newspapers, inviting complaints from dissatisfied pilgrims. This early release aimed to facilitate a smoother reconciliation process and expedite the release of caution deposits to private tour operators, along with refunds to the State Pilgrims’ Welfare boards. According to Hajj operational procedures, the reconciliation and refunds cannot occur until a 30-day complaint window closes.
Although NAHCON could have waited until returning to Nigeria before placing the ad, releasing it earlier aimed to reduce the wait time, allowing for faster processing of refunds once back home.
In July, NAHCON’s then-leader, Malam Jalal Ahmed Arabi, led a team on a fact-finding mission to Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah. Their goal was to learn how to improve the 2025 Hajj arrangements. The team returned enthusiastic, armed with insights into Saudi Arabia’s expectations and plans for Hajj operations.
Upon their return to Nigeria, the then-NAHCON Chairman outlined three immediate actions: a post-Hajj press briefing, a retreat to review the 2024 Hajj, and an advertisement calling for applications from interested air carriers for 2025. The airline invitation, unlike the previous ad, required six weeks in the public domain to allow for a thorough review and alignment with Saudi timelines. However, of these plans, only the press briefing could proceed before unforeseen circumstances disrupted the Commission’s workflow.
Since then, NAHCON has faced significant challenges, reflecting the effects of political instability within the Hajj operations landscape. This reflection draws inspiration from a detailed article by Ibrahim Mohammed of Independent Hajj Reporters, titled Preparation for Hajj 2025 and Tale of “What Happened in 1992”. Mohammed’s piece urges Hajj stakeholders in Nigeria to protect the industry from politically motivated disruptions that threaten progress.
NAHCON was created nearly 20 years ago by President Olusegun Obasanjo to eliminate unethical practices that negatively impacted pilgrims and tarnished Nigeria’s reputation abroad. This reform curbed many fraudulent actors who once exploited the industry. However, these individuals continue to attempt to destabilize NAHCON’s legitimate operations through blackmail, treachery, and defamation campaigns in the media.
This cycle of opposition affected leaders like Alhaji Zikrullah Kunle Hassan and Barrister Abdullahi Mukhtar Muhammad, with the latter navigating these challenges by leveraging his expertise in Hajj operations. Mukhtar’s understanding of the complexities of the industry helped him identify and circumvent the traps set by detractors.
To prevent the Hajj sector from regressing, the public must distinguish genuine leaders from those with ulterior motives. Calls for dismantling NAHCON, or for a return to disorganized operations, only serve those who seek to revive outdated, exploitative practices. Countries that align with Saudi Arabia’s structured system benefit from seamless Hajj operations, demonstrating the effectiveness of centralized coordination.
NAHCON was established to move away from the haphazard, last-minute committees that once plagued Nigeria’s Hajj operations. Yet, with persistent political interference, NAHCON risks regressing to that inefficient model. Politicians may use the public’s unwitting support to unseat dedicated leaders who refuse to compromise on quality. It is crucial for the public to resist being swayed by unfounded accusations and media trials targeting Hajj officials.
NAHCON’s leadership must remain steadfast and learn from past leaders like Mukhtar, ensuring the Commission’s mission endures amid political pressures.
