In view of the financial constraints it is currently facing, the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) on Thursday announced suspension of certain allowances due to its staff deployed in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for this year’s Hajj.
While seeking the affected staff’s understanding, NAHCON Chairman/CEO, Malam Jalal Ahmad Arabi, expressed the hope that as conditions improve, staff allowances might be reassessed even if they were a minimal increase.
These, according to NAHCON Assistant Director, Public Affairs, Fatima Sanda Usara, were revealed to the staff onshore by Arabi via a Zoom meeting where he explained the situation of things to them.
The reduction of allowances, Arabi added, also affected all operational committee members, including media team, Ulama, security, and other stakeholders.
Usara informed that the chairman had given staff the option of returning to Nigeria after spending 21 days in Saudi Arabia if they opted to return.
“Financial downturn that impacted many aspects of the 2024 Hajj operations did not leave out the payment of NAHCON staff stipend for the Hajj operations. The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) regrets the situation knowing how exerting Hajj operations are to staff and their families.
“Due to these financial constraints, certain allowances peculiar to NAHCON staff will remain suspended for the time being.
“Despite this challenging situation, the Commission remains hopeful that as conditions improve, staff allowances may be reassessed even if it were a minimal increase.
“However, this time around, staff will be given the option of returning to Nigeria after putting in 21 days of service if they opt to return.
“The NAHCON Chairman, Malam Jalal Arabi communicated the situation to staff on offshore assignment via Zoom meeting where he explained the tight situation that the Commission finds itself in and sought their understanding.
“It was the same condition that led NAHCON to request medical volunteerism by National Medical Team members. Similarly, allowances of all operational committee members: including media team, Ulama, security, and other stakeholders remain affected due to budgetary limitations,” she stated.
According to her, Arabi solicited
maximum support and cooperation of all concerned, “fully aware that not all will be happy with this drastic departure from the past”, submitting, however, that the reality reflected the situation in which the whole country found itself.
Usara added, “For the same factor, not all staff members were deployed for the offshore assignment. Normally, staff deployment for offshore operations is staggered due to the nature of the tasks they are expected to perform.
“While the Commission would have preferred to travel with all its staff to facilitate easier coordination, the current financial circumstances necessitated difficult decisions to ensure the viability of the operations.”
She stated that Arabi acknowledged the dedication and commitment of the NAHCON staff and expressed gratitude for their understanding during this challenging period.
“He also reassures all stakeholders of the Commission’s continued efforts to navigate these financial challenges while prioritising the well-being of pilgrims, its personnel, and the success of the Hajj,” she added.
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