The House of Representatives has described the 2024 Hajj operation as a failure, given the difficulties Nigerian pilgrims faced despite the significant funds invested by the government to ensure a smooth process.
During an investigative hearing by the Ad-hoc Committee on the National Hajj Commission and the FCT Muslim Pilgrims Board regarding the 2024 Hajj exercise, the House questioned the Commission about discrepancies in subsidies provided to pilgrims.
Addressing the session, Chairman of the Ad-hoc Committee, Alhaji Sada Soli, expressed dismay how NAHCON served some Pilgrims with full subsidy, others half subsidy while some none and they are all Nigerians.
Alhaji Sada Soli, also queried the Commission over disparity in the Pilgrims basic travel allowances and exchange rates as well as patronising foreign airlines during the 2024 Hajj operations at the detriment of local carriers among other issues.
“As long as they are Nigerians and pilgrims they are to enjoy the same privilege. We are speaking for the average Nigerian who would save money for five years and yet they would go to Saudi and you would mess them up because of simple things to do”
On his part a member of the Committee, Alhaji Mohammed Umar Bio, who moved the motion for the probe described as unfortunate how the 90Bn subsidy provided by the federal Government was misappropriated by the NAHCON officials leading to abysmal performance during the 2024 Hajj exercise.
Responding Commissioner for Operations, NAHCON, Prince Olarewaju Elegushi, representing the Chairman of the Commission, Sheikh Abdullahi Saleh Usman, said those that did not enjoy subsidy came after they had closed the registration of intending pilgrims.
The Chairman National Hajj Commission (NAHCON), Sheikh Abdullah Saleh Usman, who later joined the hearing admitted to the malfeasance within the agency and appealed to the house and other relevant stakeholders to assist the commission in making its operations more transparent.
The public hearing which lasted for two days was attended by NAHCON and officials of the FCT Muslim Pilgrim welfare Board, travel agencies, airlines, service providers, as well as the pilgrims who forward their petitions for proper investigation.
RN
For more information about Alfijir labarai/Alfijir news follow here 👇
https://twitter.com/Musabestseller?s=09
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100089640289165
https://www.threads.net/@alfijirlabarai
https://www.youtube.com/@BestsellerChannel12
https://www.instagram.com/musa_bestseller?utm_source=qr&r=nametag
Alfijir labarai Alfijir News Whatsapp Group 👇👇
https://chat.whatsapp.com/ELQRQyq1zGn7zpAVP8DwNj