Gbaja visits NAHCON, says commission shouldn’t be involved in controversy

Femi Gbajabiamila, chief of staff to President Bola Tinubu, says the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) should demonstrate transparency and avoid controversies.

Gbajabiamila spoke on Wednesday during a fact-finding mission to the commission. He was accompanied by other members of the state house management.

He said the commission must undergo reforms that align with Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, adding that all organisations should support and adapt to this initiative.

He said NAHCON must avoid controversies and maintain transparency and efficiency due to its religious importance.

“This is a commission that should never be found in any controversy simply because of its mandate and what it represents,” he said.

He urged NAHCON to prioritise early preparation and efficient organisation of hajj activities as done in countries like Indonesia and Malaysia.

The chief of staff said it is important to ensure that Nigerian pilgrims are treated as ambassadors of the country, adding that their welfare should be prioritised.

“You have to accept the responsibility of what goes on in Nigeria and Saudi Arabia,” he added.

He commended NAHCON officials for their dedication, adding that the president is ready to provide needed resources and policies to support their operations.

Aliu Abdulrazaq, commissioner of policy, personnel management, and finance (PPMF), who currently oversees the affairs of the commission, said NAHCON is working to improve hajj and Umrah services.

Abdulrazaq added that the commission is grappling with myriad challenges including the need for digitalisation of accounting and procedural processes.

In July, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) summoned Jalal Arabi, then NAHCON chairman, over a probe into the N90 billion approved for the 2024 Hajj.

On August 10, the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) arrested some NAHCON officials over “their refusal to honour the invitation” of the agency.

On August 19, Tinubu sacked Arabi as NAHCON chair.