House of Representatives Questions NAHCON on N90 Billion Hajj Subsidy Distribution

• House committee questions NAHCON’s management of N90 billion Hajj subsidy, citing inconsistencies in distribution among Nigerian pilgrims
• Committee chairman Sada Soli condemns NAHCON as a “very dirty organisation,” urging transparency and discipline in future Hajj operations

The House of Representatives Ad-hoc Committee, tasked with investigating the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) and the FCT Muslim Pilgrims Board, has raised serious concerns over the N90 billion subsidy allocated to Nigerian pilgrims for the 2024 Hajj exercise, citing inconsistencies in its distribution.

Committee Chairman, Rep. Sada Soli, questioned NAHCON’s management of the subsidy, suggesting that some practices seemed to benefit certain NAHCON officials.

Soli requested that NAHCON Chairman Abdullahi Saleh Usman appear in person, rather than delegating the task to Commissioner for Operations, Prince Olarewaju Elegushi.

Soli expressed concern over the subsidy distribution, noting that some pilgrims received full, partial, or no subsidy at all, and asked, “How come you are giving full subsidy, half subsidy, and some none—and they are all Nigerians?”

In response, the Commissioner explained that late registrants were excluded, but Soli maintained that all Nigerian pilgrims should be treated equally.

Soli condemned the operations within NAHCON, calling it a “very dirty organisation” and emphasizing that the committee’s role is to ensure future Hajj operations are orderly, safe, and spiritually fulfilling.

He highlighted the importance of Hajj for many Nigerians who save for years to undertake this journey, urging NAHCON to adopt transparent and disciplined practices.

The committee also identified issues in the Basic Travel Allowance (BTA) and exchange rates and observed a preference for foreign airlines over local carriers.

Committee member Mohammed Umar Bio expressed disappointment in NAHCON’s performance, despite the N90 billion support from the government, calling the agency’s handling of the 2024 Hajj inadequate.

The committee pledged a thorough investigation into these discrepancies to ensure a fair and complete resolution that will meet the expectations of Nigerian pilgrims in future Hajj operations.