Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, has voiced strong dissatisfaction with the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), condemning the organisation’s management of the 2024 Hajj exercise.
Mohammed, therefore, insisted that most of the Hajj services must be decentralised in a manner that would allow state governments to take full control of affairs, to ensure adequate welfare of pilgrims who paid through their respective pilgrim’s welfare board.
While interacting with pilgrims from Bauchi State at Mina, the city of tents in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, the governor said, “In this year’s Hajj exercise, pilgrims are subjected to untold hardship due to the unfavourable policies introduced by NAHCON and relevant stakeholders, especially the provision of less than $500 as Basic Travelling Allowance to each pilgrim, despite the exorbitant charges of over N8 million for a Hajj seat.
“The state governors would work collectively to break the monopoly of Hajj affairs by NAHCON if measures are not taken to address the challenges identified”.
Mohammed, during the visit, announced a donation of 300 Saudi Riyals to each of the 2,680 Bauchi pilgrims as a Sallah gift.
The Chairman of NAHCON, Alhaji Jalal Arabi, while addressing the state contingents, said “Most of the challenges are beyond the control of the commission. I, therefore, commend all pilgrims for their patience and understanding towards achieving success in the Hajj exercise”.
Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Operations, NAHCON, Prince Anofi Elegushi, on Tuesday, acknowledged the dedication and spiritual commitment demonstrated by Ogun State pilgrims throughout the sacred journey, stressing that their perseverance and devotion were commendable.
He admonished the pilgrims to avoid any actions that might invalidate their Hajj before Allah, stressing the importance of maintaining purity in their deeds and intentions to ensure that their pilgrimage remained accepted and blessed.
“This is a time to reflect on the lessons learned and to carry forward the spiritual uplift gained during Hajj. Your prayers are powerful and necessary for the continued peace and progress of our nation. Let the purity and devotion you have shown during Hajj be a beacon in your everyday life”, he advised.
Responding, the Chairman of the Ad Hoc Committee for Hajj 2024 in Ogun State, Sheikh Kehinde Lawal, expressed gratitude for the continuous support and leadership provided by NAHCON.
He assured that the state, through the ad hoc committee, would continue to uphold the highest standards of integrity and dedication to ensure all pilgrims adhered to the principles and values of Hajj.
He commended Governor Dapo Abiodun for his support to the pilgrims during the exercise, especially in the area of welfare, as the state government provided $100 to each of the 934 pilgrims from the state.
