The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) says it will address legitimate concerns raised by the Association of Hajj and Umrah Operators of Nigeria (AHUON).
The commission’s Assistant Director, Public Affairs, Mrs Fatima Usara, said this in a statement on Friday in Abuja.
Mrs Usara said the commission was concerned about the directive by the association to its members to suspend participation in the 2025 Hajj preparations.
“While we acknowledge the issues raised regarding accumulated refunds, it is important to clarify that NAHCON has been in continuous communication with AHOUN on this matter.
“The delay in resolving certain financial issues stems from the complexities of hajj operations, which involve multiple stakeholders both locally and internationally, including Saudi authorities.
“NAHCON wishes to reassure AHOUN and the general public that the commission has no intention of downplaying or neglecting the issue of refunds.
“On Sept. 24, NAHCON communicated with AHOUN regarding the urgency of aligning with the Saudi Hajj calendar to avoid disruptions in the 2025 Hajj preparations, a position we still maintain as critical.”
She said that the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah directed that only 20 lead companies would organise hajj from Nigeria for ease of coordination and proper regulation.
“However, in good faith, NAHCON has agreed to mergers and consolidation to give all interested parties an opportunity to remain in business but with the interest of serving pilgrims satisfactorily in mind.
“Thus, as regulators, NAHCON strongly believes that open dialogue and continued collaboration are the best ways to resolve these matters without causing unnecessary disruptions that could affect the pilgrims and operators alike.
“NAHCON remains open to further discussions with AHOUN to iron out any lingering concerns and work towards a swift resolution.”
She advised the leadership of the association and its members to allow ongoing arrangements to yield the desired results without impeding the timely planning of the 2025 hajj operations.
“This is in the best interest of all parties involved because with or without AHUON, Arafat will still hold on the stipulated date. NAHCON’s doors are open for discussions,” she said.
Recall that the association had announced the suspension of activities related to the 2025 hajj due to the failure of NAHCON to pay some refunds to its members.
The President of AHOUN, Abdullateef Ekundayo, had said the decision was necessary to ensure that all its requests before NAHCON are duly met, especially those related to accumulated refunds.
(NAN)
