NAHCON Accuses States of Undermining Hajj Saving Scheme, Vows to Protect Integrity

By Alabidun Shuaib AbdulRahman

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has expressed deep disappointment over the alleged refusal to allocate slots to intending pilgrims who enrolled through the Hajj Saving Scheme (HSS).

This was contained in a statement released by the Commission through the Deputy Director of Information and Publications, Mousa Ubandawaki on Sunday.

Several states, including Kaduna, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Gombe, and Jigawa, have faced inconveniences due to the alleged failure of NAHCON/Jaiz Bank to remit funds to the respective State Boards in a timely manner.

However, NAHCON categorically refutes these claims, stating that the excuses put forth by the states are baseless and unfounded.

According to NAHCON, Jaiz Bank promptly remitted the HSS fares to the states well in advance of this year’s Hajj, even before many state pilgrim boards made their payments.

NAHCON further clarified that through numerous consultations with the officials of the States Pilgrims Welfare Boards/Agencies/Commissions, it was resolved that the allocation of slots should be in a ratio of 60/40 percent to pilgrims under State Boards and HSS subscribers, respectively.

NAHCON claimed that Kaduna State pilgrims welfare board should have reserved 40 percent, which equates to 2,000 slots for HSS subscribers.

However, only 108 individuals out of the expected 2,000 enrolled via the HSS in Kaduna state, out of the total allocation of 6,255 slots.

NAHCON highlighted that certain states have been consistently undermining the Commission and the Hajj Saving Scheme, aiming to defame and blackmail the Commission in their disdain for the board and its policies. Despite the Commission’s patience and understanding, some states have persisted in their efforts to damage its integrity.

In response to the allegations, NAHCON emphasised that the information disseminated by the Kaduna State Pilgrims Board and others is not only false but also malicious, intended to vilify and blackmail the Commission.

They assure the subscribers of the HSS that the Commission is diligently addressing the issue and will take appropriate action against those who seek to undermine their policies or deny individuals their rights to participate in the religious rites of Hajj.