The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has paused the allocation of hajj seats to private tour operators following complaints it received over selection of the 40 operators approved to run the 2024 hajj under the private sector.
A statement by the commission’s Assistant Director, Public Affairs, Hajiya Fatima Sanda Usara, said in the spirit of inclusivity and receptiveness, NAHCON is now investigating the operators’ petitions.
The statement said: “NAHCON granted the complainants the benefit of doubt by conducting investigation into their petitions. At the end of the probe, NAHCON and other stakeholders were convinced and pleased to announce that the objections raised were not sufficient to overturn the qualification of the 40 approved operators for the 2024 Hajj.
“The qualified companies convincingly met the laid down criteria vis-à-vis a. Capacity of operation; b. Years of experience; c. Historical antecedents; and d. Clean bill of operation.
“Accordingly, the selection of the 40 companies is affirmed to be impartial, aligning with established criteria.
“Consequently, the remaining 70 successful companies have already proceeded with mergers alongside the approved 40.
“In its statutory role as the supervisor, NAHCON has urged the companies entering into agreements to forward to the Commission copies of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and other legal documents binding them into the business for perusal and documentation. NAHCON remains committed in carrying all its stakeholders along.”
“The Commission appreciates the support it has been receiving from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Vice President Kashim Shettima in bolstering hope of the Commission’s primary clients, the pilgrims, as well as all other stakeholders”.
