The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) yesterday appealed to members of the Association for Hajj and Umrah Operators in Nigeria (AHOUN) not to derail preparations for the 2025 Hajj operations, declaring that it is open to discussions with the operators.
The appeal is coming on the heels of the directive from the leadership of AHOUN to members to suspend any further preparations for next year’s Hajj pending when NAHCON will accede to their requests before it.
A letter signed by AHOUN president Alhaji AbdulLateef Yusuf Ekundayo, made available to journalists in Abuja on Thursday, stated that the decision to suspend preparation for the next year’s Hajj was necessary to ensure that all the association’s requests before NAHCON, especially members’ accumulated refunds over the years, were duly met.
“It is with a deep sense of responsibility that we write to issue this directive that all actions with respect to the Hajj 2025 be suspended until further notice.
“Members who have made payment for the Hajj 2025 form should not submit it until a counter directive is given.
“Members that have collected the form, submitted it, and made payment should send the name of their company to the zonal VP,” Ekundayo stated in the letter.
Reacting to the development through a statement signed by NAHCON Assistant Director, Public Affairs, Fatima Sanda Usara and made available to Tribune Online in Abuja, the Hajj body stated that it had been in continuous communication with AHOUN on issues relating to accumulated refunds.
According to the commission, the delay in resolving certain financial issues stems from the complexities of Hajj operations, which involved multiple stakeholders both locally and internationally, including Saudi authorities.
“The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has noted with concern the recent directive by the Association for Hajj and Umrah Operators in Nigeria (AHOUN) instructing their members to suspend participation in 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 and remains committed to addressing all legitimate concerns.
“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,” Usara stated.
The commission then assured that it has no intention to downplay or neglect the issue of refunds, adding that there is the need to align with Saudi Arabia’s Hajj calendar for next year with a view to avoiding disruptions in the operations.
“NAHCON wishes to reassure AHOUN and the general public that the Commission has no intention of downplaying or neglecting the issue of refunds.
“On 24th September 2024, 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.
“Recently, 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.”
The Hajj commission then advised the leadership of the tour operators to allow ongoing arrangements to yield the desired results without impeding the timely planning of the 2025 Hajj operations.
According to the commission, “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.”
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