NAHCON chairman dismisses Hajj contract cancellation claims

The National Chairman of the National Hajj Commission (NAHCON), Professor Saleh Usman, has denied allegations that he is hindering preparations for the 2025 Hajj Pilgrimage by terminating agreements with Saudi Arabian Muaashir Companies.

He assured that the 2025 Hajj would proceed without any issues.

The chairman was responding to claims made by the Forum of States Pilgrim Welfare Agencies, which alleged that he had unilaterally cancelled contracts with Saudi-based Muaashir Companies, actions that could jeopardize the 2025 Hajj.

He emphasized that these allegations undermine his hard-earned reputation as an Islamic scholar.

It is important to note that the forum’s Secretary and Executive Secretary of the Adamawa State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, Abubakar Salihu, had warned that the cancellation of the contract signed with Saudi service provider Mashariq Al-Dhahabiah could result in Nigerian pilgrims being denied visas for the 2025 Hajj.

He made this known while responding to a story which claimed that the “thousands of Nigerian intending pilgrims may be unable to perform the 2025 Hajj due to the cancellation of the Masha’ir contract by the Chairman NAHCON.

Usman, therefore, dismissed the story as a blatant lie, saying that no pilgrim will miss the 2025 Hajj as the commission has taken measures to ensure that the exercise is executed accordingly.

He said the story was intended to tarnish his hard-earned image as an Islamic scholar and a proven administrator.

He said, “The contract of the two companies was cancelled by the Saudi authorities themselves. They were reinstated again and they cancelled the contract once more.

“We want to know why the contract was cancelled. On our part, the NAHCON did not cancel their contract.

“We want this disagreement between the companies and the Saudi authority to not affect NAHCON’s arrangement.

“This is the reason I am meeting with them today. We want them to tell us what is going on.

“If they want to renew the contract, let them do it once and for all. If they want to substitute them, this should be made clear. This would be done instantly to avoid hitches.”

He said the arrangements NAHCON made were intact, adding, “Our pilgrims will be glad with the arrangements we put in place.

“They will commend President Bola Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima for entrusting us with this post. We are working unrelentingly to execute this project.”

Professor Usman emphasized, “Our preparation at NAHCON is almost complete; we have no problems, and Inshallah, we are going to achieve high-quality results.”

He concluded, “All those spreading lies against us will see us making achievements beyond their negative expectations, and we will make this year’s Hajj one of the best, by the will of Allah.”

Dr Ilyasu Musa Kwankwaso, ex-Commissioner for Rural and Community Development in Kano State, commended Professor Saleh for his efforts in bringing the agency to the forefront.

Dr. Kwankwaso urged members of NAHCON to support Professor Saleh in his pragmatic efforts to elevate the agency to new heights. He emphasized that this cooperation would help the organization achieve the goals for which it was established.

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