The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has expressed deep disappointment with certain states, including Kaduna, the FCT, Gombe, and Jigawa, over their alleged refusal to allocate slots to intending pilgrims who enrolled through the Hajj Saving Scheme (HSS).
These states have claimed that the delay in slot allocation was due to NAHCON/Jaiz Bank’s failure to remit funds to the respective State Boards in a timely manner.
In response, NAHCON categorically refuted these excuses, deeming them baseless and unfounded. The Commission clarified that Jaiz Bank had promptly remitted the HSS fares to the states well ahead of this year’s Hajj season, even before many state pilgrim boards made their payments.
Furthermore, NAHCON revealed that through consultations with officials of the State Pilgrims Welfare Boards, it was agreed that the allocation to pilgrims should be in the ratio of 60/40, with 40 percent reserved for pilgrims under the Hajj Savings Scheme.
In the case of Kaduna State, for example, the state’s pilgrims welfare board should have reserved 40 percent of the allocation, which amounts to 2,000 slots, for HSS subscribers. However, only 108 individuals enrolled through the HSS out of the 2,000 expected participants in Kaduna State, despite the allocation of 6,255 slots to the state.
NAHCON expressed concern about the actions of certain states, noting that they have consistently sought to undermine the Commission and the HSS in various ways.
While NAHCON has displayed patience and understanding, recognizing that new schemes or policies take time to yield positive results, some states have resorted to defaming and blackmailing the Commission, showing contempt for the board and its policies.
The Commission emphasized that the information disseminated by the Kaduna State Pilgrims Board and other similar sources is not only false but also malicious, intended to vilify and blackmail NAHCON and damage its integrity.
NAHCON expressed gratitude to the numerous subscribers of the HSS for their faith and trust in the scheme.
The Commission appealed to those who have been unjustly denied participation by various pilgrims boards to remain calm and abide by the law.
NAHCON assured them that it is actively working to address the issue appropriately and bring to book those who seek to undermine its policies or deny individuals their right to participate in the religious rites of Hajj.
