The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has made a public appeal to members of the Association for Hajj and Umrah Operators in Nigeria (AHOUN), urging them not to derail preparations for the 2025 Hajj despite ongoing disputes over accumulated refunds. NAHCON emphasized its commitment to addressing the concerns of the operators and maintaining open communication to ensure the smooth planning of the pilgrimage.
This appeal follows a directive issued by AHOUN leadership instructing its members to suspend all activities related to the 2025 Hajj until NAHCON addresses their longstanding grievances, particularly concerning accumulated refunds from previous Hajj operations. In a letter signed by AHOUN President Alhaji AbdulLateef Yusuf Ekundayo, the association requested its members to halt submissions of Hajj forms and payments, citing the need for NAHCON to meet their demands before any further preparations proceed.
The directive, which was shared with the public, emphasized the association’s frustration with the delay in resolving financial matters that have impacted its members. AHOUN explained that the decision was made out of a sense of responsibility to ensure fair treatment for its members and to safeguard their financial interests.
In response to AHOUN’s directive, NAHCON, through a statement by Assistant Director of Public Affairs, Fatima Sanda Usara, expressed concern over the suspension of preparations. The commission reassured AHOUN that it has been in continuous communication regarding the accumulated refunds and remains committed to addressing all legitimate concerns. However, NAHCON also highlighted the complexity of Hajj operations, which involve multiple stakeholders, including international authorities such as Saudi Arabia, making the resolution process slower than desired.
The commission clarified that it has no intention of neglecting the issue of refunds and reiterated the importance of adhering to Saudi Arabia’s Hajj calendar to prevent any disruptions in the 2025 pilgrimage. NAHCON pointed out that delays in preparation could have wider consequences for both operators and pilgrims, stressing that open dialogue is the best path forward.
NAHCON also reminded AHOUN of recent directives from the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, which limit the number of lead companies organizing Hajj from Nigeria to 20. This decision is aimed at simplifying coordination and ensuring proper regulation of the Hajj process. While the restriction could pose challenges to operators, NAHCON assured that it has agreed to allow mergers and consolidation within the industry to give more operators the opportunity to remain in business while prioritizing the interests of pilgrims.
The commission encouraged AHOUN to continue collaborating with them to find solutions to any lingering issues and to avoid unnecessary disruptions that could negatively impact the 2025 Hajj preparations. NAHCON remains open to discussions, stressing that swift resolution is in the best interest of all parties involved, particularly the pilgrims.
In its closing remarks, NAHCON reminded all stakeholders that the timing of the Hajj is determined by the Islamic calendar, and Arafat one of the most important days of the Hajj will proceed as scheduled, with or without the participation of AHOUN members. The commission urged AHOUN to allow ongoing arrangements for the 2025 Hajj to move forward smoothly, ensuring that all pilgrims can complete their journey without any hindrance.
As Nigeria gears up for the 2025 Hajj, the ongoing tension between NAHCON and AHOUN underscores the complexities of organizing such a large-scale religious pilgrimage. However, both parties seem to agree that dialogue and cooperation are essential to ensuring a successful Hajj experience for Nigerian pilgrims. With NAHCON’s assurance of commitment to resolving refund disputes and AHOUN’s clear determination to protect its members’ interests, there is hope that both sides will find common ground and keep preparations on track.