Thursday, May 1, 2025

Refund: We’ll address concerns of Hajj operators — NAHCON

Must read

Ibrahim Ramalan
Ibrahim Ramalan
Ibrahim Ramalan is a graduate of Mass Communications from the Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) Zaria. With nearly a decade-long, active journalism practice, Mr Ramalan has been able to rise from a cub reporter to the exalted position of an editor; first as Arts Editor with the Blueprint Newspapers before resigning in 2019; second and presently as an Associate Editor of the Daily Nigerian online newspaper. He can be reached via ibroramalan@gmail.com, or www.facebook.com/ibrahim.ramalana, or @McRamalan on Twitter.
- Advertisement -
tiamin rice
tiamin rice

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria, NAHCON, says it will address legitimate concerns raised by the Association of Hajj and Umrah Operators of Nigeria, AHUON.

The commission’s Assistant Director, Public Affairs, Fatima Usara, said this in a statement on Friday in Abuja.

Usara said the commission was concerned about the directive by the association to its members to suspend participation in the 2025 Hajj preparations.

tiamin rice

”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.

“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.

READ ALSO:   2023: IGP assures of ‘very peaceful’ elections in South-East 

”NAHCON wishes to reassure AHOUN and the general public that the commission has no intention of downplaying or neglecting the issue of refunds.

”On Sept. 24, 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.”

She said that 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.

whatsApp

”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.

READ ALSO:   Nigerian govt not aware of $875m ammunition deal with US– Lai Mohammed

”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.”

She advised the leadership of the association and its members to allow ongoing arrangements to yield the desired results without impeding the timely planning of the 2025 hajj operations.

” This is in the best interest of all parties involved because with or without AHUON, Arafat will still hold on the stipulated date.

READ ALSO:   NIMR launches investigation into alleged issuance of fake COVID-19 results – DG

” NAHCON’s doors are open for discussions,” she said.

The Association has announced the suspension of activities related to 2025 hajj due to the failure of NAHCON to pay some refunds to its members.

The President of AHOUN, Abdullateef Ekundayo had said the decision was necessary to ensure that all its requests before NAHCON are duly met especially those related to accumulated refunds.

NAN

- Advertisement -

More articles

- Advertisement -

Latest article

- Advertisement -