Due to the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria’s refusal to provide accumulated reimbursements, the Association of Hajj and Umrah Operators of Nigeria has advised its members to halt planning for the 2025 Hajj exercise.
The order was issued by AHUON National President Abdullateef Ekundayo on Friday in an Abuja statement. Ekundayo asked members who had paid for the 2025 Hajj to hold off on submitting until a counterorder was issued.
Members who had paid and completed forms were also asked to forward the names of their companies to the Zonal Vice President.
The announcement claims that NAHCON ignored the Association’s letters of request until Tuesday, September 24, 2024, citing the Saudi Hajj calendar as justification for the delay in Hajj processing. This was referred to in the statement as the commission’s standard approach to the problem.
“Dear respected members of our wonderful association, it is with a deep feeling of responsibility that we issue this instruction suspending all Hajj 2025 preparation activities until further notice.Members who have paid for the Hajj 2025 form should not submit it until a counter instruction is issued. Members who have collected the form, filed it, and paid should give their company’s name to the zonal VP.
“The NEC met with our BOT members, and we all agreed that this action is required to ensure that all of our requests before NAHCON are properly addressed, particularly our accumulated refunds over the years. It is worth noting that NAHCON only responded to our multiple letters of request on Tuesday, September 24, 2024, with the pretext that Hajj processing should not be delayed to correspond with the Saudi Hajj timetable.
This, to us, has been their standard practice throughout the years when it comes to accumulated refunds with them, and it cannot be permitted anymore,” the statement added.
In a counter statement for the Acting Chairman, NAHCON asked the association not to sabotage the 2025 Hajj exercise, which was signed by Assistant Director of Public Affairs Fatima Usara.
The commission stated that it was still dedicated to addressing all legitimate issues, while assuring AHUON and the public that it had no intention of downplaying or ignoring the subject of refunds.
“The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria is concerned about the recent direction by the Association for Hajj and Umrah Operators in Nigeria instructing its members to cease participation in 2025 Hajj preparations.
NAHCON desires to inform AHOUN and the general public that the commission has no intention of downplaying or ignoring the subject of reimbursements. On September 24, 2024, NAHCON talked with AHOUN on the importance of adhering to the Saudi Hajj calendar to minimise disruptions in the 2025 Hajj preparations, which we continue to hold as vital.
“Recently, the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah mandated that only 20 lead businesses organise Hajj from Nigeria to ensure adequate coordination and regulation. However, in good faith, NAHCON has agreed to mergers and consolidations that will allow all interested parties to continue doing business while also servicing pilgrims properly.
Thus, as regulators, NAHCON is convinced that open conversation and ongoing collaboration are the best approaches to resolve these issues without causing undue disruptions that could damage both pilgrims and operators equally. NAHCON remains open to additional conversations with AHOUN to address any outstanding issues and work towards a quick conclusion,” the statement read.
NAHCON also stated that its doors were open for negotiations, while asking AHUON’s leadership and members to allow continuing arrangements to generate results without impeding the timely planning and preparations for the 2025 Hajj operations.
In Essence
AHUON’s frustration stems from accumulated refunds not being addressed over the years. Their decision to halt preparations for 2025 until these payments are resolved underscores the need for better financial transparency and accountability from NAHCON.
Unpaid funds from past Hajj operations can severely affect the operational capacity of the association’s members and their ability to serve future pilgrims.
The potential disruption to the 2025 Hajj exercise is a significant concern. Thousands of Nigerian pilgrims depend on smooth planning and organization to perform the pilgrimage.
Any delay or halt in preparations could lead to logistical challenges, limited access to services, and increased costs, potentially affecting Nigeria’s overall Hajj participation.
By suspending preparations, AHUON is applying pressure on NAHCON to prioritize the issue of refunds.
NAHCON’s response indicates its willingness to resolve the matter through dialogue, but it also highlights the complexities involved, such as adhering to Saudi regulations and balancing the interests of Hajj operators and pilgrims.
