The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has stated that its appointments and assignments strictly adhere to due process, denying any petitions against its leadership from the staff union.
In response to recent media reports regarding its leadership and administrative decisions, the commission issued a press statement signed by its Assistant Director of Information and Publications, Fatima Sanda Usara.
The statement was made available to Nigerian Tribune on Friday and emphasized that, as a public institution, NAHCON ensures that its leaders and employees follow its regulatory framework and civil service procedures.
Usara also clarified that, contrary to claims circulating in the media, the NAHCON Staff Union did not submit any petition against the Commission’s leadership.
Instead, the union merely issued an internal reminder to management regarding specific internal matters.
According to Usara, “The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) acknowledges recent discussions in the media regarding its leadership and administrative decisions and thus wishes to address concerns raised in some reports.
“As a public institution, NAHCON always ensures that its leaders and employees are guided by its regulatory framework and civil service procedures in all its operations, administrative or otherwise.
“NAHCON’s leadership recognizes the important role of staff unions in advocating for employee welfare in establishments all over the world. However, the Commission rejects the misrepresentations made in some report(s) making the rounds over its interaction with its Staff Union.
“It is common knowledge that Staff Unions in any parastatal agitate for staff welfare and protect staff interests over those of others. Therefore, Management was not perturbed when it received a letter from the Union’s EXCO agitating for NAHCON staff elevation and welfare over those of other pool officers; demands that are being addressed.
“Therefore, contrary to claims circulating in the media, the NAHCON Staff Union did not submit a petition against the Commission’s leadership. A petition means reporting the leadership to an external agency. Instead, the Union issued an internal reminder to NAHCON Management on certain internal matters.”
Addressing allegation of nepotism in the commission, the statement asserted that appointments and assignments in the Hajj body are guided strictly by due process and denied the claim that a son of NAHCON Chairman/CEO, Professor Abdullahi Usman, was appointed a personal assistant in the commission.
“Regarding allegations of nepotism, we in the Commission categorically state that appointments and assignments within NAHCON are guided strictly by due process. Specifically, the claim that Professor Abdullahi Saleh has appointed his son as a Personal Assistant within the Commission is false.
“Additionally, claims of retirees as existent on NAHCON’s official staff list suggest either deliberate misinformation or a misunderstanding of the Commission’s structure,” Usara stated.
While stating that the commission is open to constructive feedback, Usara urged the media to ensure that discussions about NAHCON leadership and operation are not only factual but also free from sensationalism.
According to her, “While NAHCON welcomes constructive feedback, we implore pressmen and their aiders to keep discussions about NAHCON’s leadership and operations factual, valuable and free from sensationalism.
“NAHCON’s management remains open to address any legitimate concerns through the appropriate channels rather than media campaigns designed to mislead the public.”
She, therefore, reaffirmed NAHCON’s commitment to ensuring a smooth Hajj for Nigerian pilgrims.
“The Commission’s priority is to focus on its core responsibility of ensuring a smooth Hajj for Nigerian pilgrims. Management appreciates meaningful contributions that support this mission and encourage responsible discourse that upholds the integrity of information shared with the public,” Usara stated.
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