Hajj Pilgrims Demand Accountability: Nigerian House of Representatives Sets Up Committee to Investigate NAHCON

The Nigerian House of Representatives has taken a significant step to address the concerns of Muslim pilgrims who traveled to Saudi Arabia for the 2024 Hajj exercise. The House has resolved to set up an ad-hoc committee to investigate the National Hajj Commission (NAHCON) and the Federal Capital Territory Authority Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board over their handling of the pilgrimage.

The decision was reached following the adoption of a motion moved by Hon. Mohammed Bio, representing the Baruten/Kaiama Federal Constituency in Kwara State. The motion, titled "Urgent need to investigate the National Hajj Commission and the Federal Capital Territory Administration Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, their agents, and sub-agents over shoddy arrangement and treatment of Nigerian pilgrims in the 2024 Hajj exercise," highlighted the poor performance of NAHCON and the Federal Capital Territory Authority Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board in the 2024 Hajj exercise.

According to Bio, the 50,865 Muslim pilgrims from across Nigeria who were under the care of NAHCON in 2024 were not properly taken care of in terms of welfare, organisation, guidance, and monitoring. Despite the significant financial outlay by the pilgrims, NAHCON’s performance in the 2024 Hajj exercise, particularly in Makkah and Mina, was disappointing.

The lawmaker warned that if the poor performance of NAHCON is not investigated and improved, future Hajj exercises for Nigerian citizens may be more complicated and could tarnish the country’s image globally. The committee has two weeks to report back to the Green Chamber for further legislative action.

The speaker of the House, Tajudeen Abbas, appointed Hon. Sada Soli, representing the Jibia/Kaita Federal Constituency in Katsina State, as the chairman of the committee. The committee’s investigation will provide an opportunity for NAHCON and the Federal Capital Territory Authority Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board to address the concerns of Muslim pilgrims and improve their performance in future Hajj exercises.

As the investigation unfolds, it is hoped that it will lead to meaningful reforms and improvements in the management of the Hajj pilgrimage, ultimately enhancing the experience of Nigerian pilgrims.