The Association for Hajj and Umrah Operators of Nigeria (AHUON) has raised concerns over the management of Hajj operations by the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON).
In a press release issued by AHUON’s National President, Abdullateef Ekundayo Yusuf, the Association expressed dissatisfaction with NAHCON’s handling of funds and the preparations for the 2025 Hajj, particularly as it affects tour operators.
AHUON claimed that despite multiple attempts to engage with NAHCON on crucial matters affecting their members, including outstanding refunds and operational challenges, the Commission has remained largely unresponsive.
According to Yusuf, the Association sent five letters to NAHCON after the conclusion of the 2024 Hajj, but only received a response in late September 2024, which failed to address their demands.
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One of the central issues raised by AHUON is the N15 billion NAHCON allegedly owes its members. The amount includes refunds for services paid for by pilgrims but not rendered or poorly delivered.
Despite receiving SAR 20 million in refunds from Saudi authorities in December 2023, NAHCON has yet to formally notify AHUON or make arrangements for repayment, a fact the Association claims only came to light after an EFCC investigation.
Other key concerns highlighted include NAHCON’s withholding of over N2.7 billion in caution deposits from tour operators, and the Commission’s refusal to consider bank guarantees in place of cash deposits for future Hajj operations.
AHUON also criticized NAHCON’s exclusion of their pilgrims from the N90 billion Hajj subsidy provided by the federal government last year, accusing the Commission of favoring state pilgrims.
Furthermore, the Association questioned NAHCON’s allocation of tour operators’ slots to other government agencies, disrupting operational plans, particularly in providing VIP services in Muna
