ABUJA, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)- Some Hajj and Umrah operators have faulted the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria over the alleged exclusion of recognised tour operators’ associations from consultations on preparations for the 2027 Hajj.
The operators raised the concern following reports that NAHCON recently met with the Association for Hajj and Umrah Operators of Nigeria to discuss the newly introduced N250 million bank guarantee requirement for the 2027 pilgrimage without involving the Hajj and Umrah Tour Operators Association of Nigeria and other recognised industry bodies.
In a statement the stakeholders alleged that the discussions indicated that NAHCON planned to work mainly with AHUON on matters concerning licensed Hajj operators.
They maintained that continuing with such an arrangement could raise concerns over inclusiveness, fairness and the legal justification for giving preference to one association over others.
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The stakeholders also alleged that information on the Corporate Affairs Commission portal indicated that AHUON, registered under RC 24067 on June 14, 2007, was currently listed as “Inactive.”
They therefore called on NAHCON to explain whether it had confirmed the association’s legal status before engaging it in discussions on policies affecting the Hajj and Umrah industry.
The operators further asked the commission to provide clarity on its policy for recognising and engaging associations representing Hajj and Umrah operators, as well as the criteria for determining which organisations speak on behalf of licensed operators.
They advocated a more open and inclusive consultation process, stressing that equal treatment and compliance with due process were essential to improving confidence in the Hajj industry.
“We are calling on NAHCON to engage all legitimate stakeholders on matters affecting the Hajj and Umrah sector. Equal treatment, adherence to due process and respect for the rule of law are essential to strengthening confidence among operators and promoting the sustainable development of Nigeria’s Hajj industry,” one of the stakeholders said.
However, NAHCON’s Assistant Director of Information and Publications, Fatima Sanda-Usara, rejected claims that any association was being excluded, saying preparations for the 2027 Hajj were still ongoing and involved various categories of stakeholders.
“The preparation is stage by stage; it is ongoing. We had a meeting with states, there was a meeting with stakeholders, and the chairman had a meeting with them, although it was not elaborate,” she said.