The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has disclaimed responsibility for providing essential services to Nigerian pilgrims, leaving over 40,000 unserved individuals worried about receiving appropriate refunds.

NAHCON has recently caused apprehension among 40,000 Nigerian pilgrims by denying its responsibility for providing essential services, such as tents, feeding, and other crucial provisions, at Muna and Arafat.

This disavowal, Elanza News reports, further decreases the chances of these unserved pilgrims receiving the refunds they are entitled to. In this article, we delve into the consequences of NAHCON’s stance and shed light on the necessity for transparency and intervention to address the concerns of the affected pilgrims.

NAHCON Shifts Responsibility For Services To Mu’assasah

NAHCON’s Chairman and Chief Executive, Mr Zikirullah Kunle Hasan, made a startling revelation during a visitation to Muna. He categorically stated that NAHCON bears no responsibility for providing services to the pilgrims at the Masha’er. Instead, he indicated that it is the Mu’assasah that handles the provision of tents, bedding, air conditioning, water supply, electricity, feeding/catering, cleaning, and waste management in both Muna and Arafat. This declaration has deepened the anxiety of the over 30,000 pilgrims who were left without these essential services during their stay in Muna.

Tent Shortages And Stranded Pilgrims

The tent shortages experienced in Muna caused outrage among the pilgrims, prompting a response from NAHCON’s Commissioner of Operations, Mu’azu Hardawa. In an interview with BBC Hausa, Hardawa revealed that despite arriving with 95,000 pilgrims, the commission was only allocated 45,000 bed spaces, the same as the previous year. As a result, the Mu’assasah accommodated 10,000 Nigerian pilgrims in tents vacated by Turkish pilgrims after Arafat, while the remaining 30,000 were left stranded or cramped in alternative tents. This situation has raised concerns about the fairness of the allocation process and the plight of the affected pilgrims.

Prepaid Services And Lack Of Refund Transparency

Elanza News Investigations have shown that all Nigerian pilgrims had fully paid for the Muna services before receiving their hajj visas. However, NAHCON has failed to provide a breakdown of the 2023 hajj components, making it difficult to determine the actual amounts expected as refunds for the 40,000 pilgrims who did not receive the services they paid for. In previous years, NAHCON publicly disclosed the breakdown of hajj components, enhancing transparency in the sector. The absence of such transparency this year has raised concerns among stakeholders.

Doubts About Adequate Refunds And Contractual Agreements

There are growing fears that NAHCON’s denial of responsibility for the Masha’er services may result in inadequate refunds for the affected pilgrims, similar to what transpired in the previous year. Observers who spoke to Elanzanews.com have expressed concerns about the commission’s handling of the situation, questioning its commitment to ensuring fair compensation for the pilgrims. The existence of contractual agreements between NAHCON and the service providers further complicates the matter, as the commission’s disclaimer contradicts the terms outlined in these agreements. The stage is set for potential exploitation and insufficient reimbursement.

Allegations Of Misappropriation And Lack Of Accountability

Insiders in Makkah have shared disturbing accounts regarding NAHCON’s conduct and its implications for the pilgrims. There are allegations that the caterers who served Nigerian pilgrims in 2022 were penalized and had funds deducted from their payments, supposedly as refunds for poor services. However, NAHCON itself received only a fraction of the deducted amount as a refund, leaving questions about the fate of the remaining funds. The lack of transparency in the refund process raises concerns about potential misappropriation and accountability.

Calls For Investigation And Intervention

The 2022 hajj refund, along with other matters, has prompted investigations into the leadership of NAHCON by anti-graft agencies such as the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC). Stakeholders, including a former President of the Association for Hajj and Umrah Operators of Nigeria (AHOUN), have emphasized the need for a thorough forensic investigation to ensure the recovery of pilgrims’ funds. Additionally, the intervention of Vice President Kashim Shettima has been urged to address the inadequacies and ensure that pilgrims receive the rightful refunds.

Concerns About NAHCON’s Leadership And Capacity

Critics who spoke to Elanzanews.com expressed disappointment with the leadership of NAHCON, particularly in light of their celebration of the meager refund received for services not rendered. Previous public statements made by the commission contradict the claims made by Mr Zikirullah and highlight the discrepancy in the amounts refunded in past hajj seasons. Questions have also been raised about the planning and capacity of NAHCON, given the repeated failures in providing adequate services to the pilgrims.

Proposed Solutions And Future Measures

To address the recurring issues faced by Nigerian pilgrims, suggestions have been put forward by industry experts and concerned stakeholders. One recommendation is for NAHCON to revert to previous practices where state pilgrims boards engage their own caterers in Masha’er. This approach would give states more control over the provision of catering services, while the Mu’assasah focuses solely on tent-related matters. Such measures could help improve accountability, efficiency, and ensure that pilgrims’ needs are adequately met.

The recent denial of responsibility by NAHCON for providing essential services to Nigerian pilgrims has left over 40,000 individuals uncertain about receiving appropriate refunds for unrendered services.

The lack of transparency and accountability in the refund process, along with allegations of misappropriation, has further compounded the concerns.

Elanza News reports that urgent intervention is required from relevant authorities to address these issues, ensure fair compensation for the affected pilgrims, and restore confidence in the hajj commission’s ability to fulfill its responsibilities effectively.