House of Representatives Pushes for Major Reforms to Improve Hajj Experience for Nigerian Pilgrims
In a decisive move to address the challenges faced by Nigerian pilgrims, the House of Representatives has approved a comprehensive reform package aimed at overhauling the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) and the FCT Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board. These reforms are designed to enhance the Hajj experience, promote transparency, and eliminate financial mismanagement.
A key reform proposal is the creation of a Hajj Tribunal to address contract violations, financial disputes, and service failures involving NAHCON, tour operators, and pilgrims. The tribunal will offer a platform for pilgrims to voice their concerns and seek justice, according to Sada Soli, Chairman of the ad-hoc committee.
Additionally, the House has called for a renegotiation of the Bilateral Air Agreement, which currently gives Saudi-owned airlines the right to airlift 50% of Nigerian pilgrims. This has been seen as harmful to domestic airlines, which the report claims have demonstrated the capacity to handle more pilgrims.
In an effort to ensure transparency, NAHCON is now required to publish detailed breakdowns of all Hajj-related charges, with clear justifications for each cost. The commission must also standardize fees for all pilgrims, with any cost variations well explained.
Other proposed changes include a review of the $500 Basic Travel Allowance (BTA), allowing a more reasonable amount to support pilgrims. NAHCON will also decentralize accommodation management, enabling State Pilgrims Welfare Boards and private tour operators to negotiate benchmark prices for pilgrims’ lodging. A new service rating system will ensure accommodation providers meet established standards.
The reforms also call for a reliable refund mechanism for pilgrims if services or accommodations fail to meet agreed standards. Service providers who do not meet their obligations will face penalties.
The House also urged NAHCON to establish a dedicated unit for pilgrim complaints, ensuring timely resolution of issues related to accommodation, feeding, transportation, and other services. Additionally, a transparent system for issuing Hajj visas will be put in place, with records publicly available to prevent corruption.
In a bold step toward better service delivery, NAHCON is required to engage tour operators, airlines, and state boards in decision-making processes rather than acting unilaterally. The commission must also strengthen its enforcement capacity to ensure compliance with Hajj standards.
The reforms include a focus on pilgrims’ feeding, with Nigerian caterers contracted to provide culturally appropriate meals. Rigorous quality control checks will be introduced to ensure meals are hygienic and nutritious.
Lastly, the House has called on anti-graft agencies and the Auditor General’s Office to audit NAHCON’s N90 billion federal subsidy for the 2024 Hajj and investigate claims that the commission sponsored 1,000 officials from this subsidy.
These reforms are expected to significantly improve the Hajj experience for Nigerian pilgrims, ensuring greater transparency, accountability, and better services.
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