The House of Representatives has accused the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) of mismanaging the N90 billion subsidy allocated for the 2024 Hajj exercise. The ad hoc committee investigating the matter discovered that NAHCON provided inconsistent subsidies to pilgrims, with some benefiting while others were excluded. This disparity led to concerns about the equitable distribution of the funds.
In May 2024, the federal government announced a N90 billion subsidy to support Nigerian pilgrims undertaking the Hajj pilgrimage. However, despite this substantial financial support, several state governors and stakeholders expressed dissatisfaction with NAHCON’s management of the funds. Issues highlighted included inadequate accommodation arrangements in Muna and insufficient Basic Travel Allowance (BTA) for pilgrims from various states.
The investigation further revealed that NAHCON’s leadership, including the former chairman, Jalal Arabi, and the commission’s secretary, Abdullahi Kotangora, were implicated in fraudulent activities related to the subsidy funds. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) uncovered evidence suggesting that Arabi and Kotangora orchestrated a multi-million-dollar fraud, misappropriating a significant portion of the subsidy.
In response to these findings, President Bola Tinubu relieved Jalal Arabi of his position as NAHCON chairman in August 2024, appointing Abdullahi Usman as his successor. This leadership change aimed to address the allegations of mismanagement and restore integrity to the commission.
The House committee’s investigation has intensified scrutiny on NAHCON’s operations, prompting calls for comprehensive reforms in the management of pilgrimage subsidies. Stakeholders advocate for greater transparency, accountability, and the involvement of private sector operators to ensure that future Hajj operations are conducted efficiently and that funds are utilized appropriately.
