The House of Representatives has launched an investigation into the Nigeria Hajj Commission (NAHCON) and the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board regarding their management of the 2024 Hajj operations. This decision follows a motion sponsored by Hon. Mohammed Umar Bio, who criticized the agencies for inadequate preparation and execution.
In his presentation, Hon. Bio emphasized the significance of the Hajj pilgrimage in Islam, noting that it is one of the five pillars of the faith. He reminded the House that NAHCON was established to provide efficient and effective services to pilgrims as mandated by the NAHCON Act.
Hon. Bio pointed out that in 2024, around 50,865 Nigerian Muslim pilgrims relied on NAHCON for various aspects of their journey, including welfare, organization, guidance, and monitoring. However, he alleged that the agency fell short in fulfilling these responsibilities. He highlighted issues such as poor welfare services and inadequate organization and monitoring, which left many pilgrims dissatisfied.
A significant concern raised by Hon. Bio was the substantial cost incurred by pilgrims for the 2024 Hajj. He revealed that despite NAHCON’s 2024 budget allocation, an intervention from the Federal Government amounting to N90 billion, and support from the Saudi Arabian Government, the performance of NAHCON and the FCTA Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board was subpar, particularly in Makkah and Mina.
The lawmaker stressed that the poor performance of NAHCON and the FCTA board could tarnish Nigeria’s reputation internationally if not addressed. He called for a thorough investigation to identify the shortcomings and improve future Hajj operations.
The House, in response to Hon. Bio’s motion, resolved to establish an ad-hoc committee to investigate the activities of NAHCON and the FCTA Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board. The committee will scrutinize their preparations, execution, and overall management of the 2024 Hajj operations. The aim is to ensure that future Hajj exercises are better organized and that the welfare of Nigerian pilgrims is adequately taken care of.
Furthermore, the House of Representatives also expressed concern about the influx of small arms and unwholesome products through illegal borders. This issue underscores the broader security challenges facing Nigeria, which could also impact the safety and well-being of pilgrims.
The investigation into NAHCON and the FCTA Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board is seen as a critical step towards improving the Hajj experience for Nigerian pilgrims. It aims to hold these agencies accountable and ensure that they fulfill their mandates effectively. By addressing the issues raised, the House hopes to enhance the overall management and execution of future Hajj operations, thereby ensuring a better experience for pilgrims and safeguarding Nigeria’s international reputation.
The findings of the ad-hoc committee will be crucial in shaping future policies and practices related to Hajj operations. It is expected that the investigation will lead to significant improvements, ensuring that the welfare of Nigerian pilgrims is prioritized and that their pilgrimage experience is smooth and fulfilling.
The House of Representatives’ decision to probe NAHCON and the FCTA Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board reflects a commitment to ensuring accountability and improving the Hajj experience for Nigerian Muslims. The investigation will provide insights into the shortcomings of the 2024 Hajj operations and pave the way for better management in the future.
