•Says its voice can’t be muffled
By Musa Baba Adamu
The face-off between the Association of Hajj and Umrah Operators of Nigeria (AHUON) and the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) shows no sign of let off as the Association accused the Commission of sponsoring faceless group to attack it over its stance on the management of Hajj operations.
The Association in a Press Release yesterday singed but its Public Relations Officer, Adamu Abdullahi, declared that it would not be swayed by the Commission’s alleged attempt to discredit it.
It said it was a registered Association known for looking out for its members’ well-being over its decade long existence.
It accused the Commission of foisting a Service Provider on the Nigeria pilgrims only to retract after it found working with not profitable.
It said: “ We possess documentary evidence of the agreements signed between NAHCON and Ithraa al Joud Company, which were executed without duress.
“The commission pushed for the company’s involvement despite AHUON’s initial reservations.
“We demanded refunds for unrendered services, improved services at the Mashair, and other concessions.
“Ithraa al Joud’s prompt response: The company refunded money for underrendered services to tour operators through NAHCON, which has yet to disburse these funds.
“If NAHCON now claims that Ithraa al Joud is unfit, why did they hastily sign the agreement? What happened to their supposed due diligence? It appears that NAHCON only realized the company’s alleged shortcomings after the fact.”
It carpeted the Commission for hobnobbing with credibility challenged Association which had had to change its name to escape public scrutiny.
“The credibility of the so-called Association that NAHCON is supporting is questionable, having changed its name from HUTOUN to HUTOUA in a short span. This association, allegedly birthed by the current Commissioner of Operations, seems to be manipulating the Chairman.”
It alleged that while the Commission had made payments for about 52,000 seat allocation, there were no enough pilgrims yet to fill the seats.
“NAHCON’s questionable actions: Paying for over 52,000 Hajj seats without having the corresponding number of pilgrims. Potential consequences if pilgrims are not found. Huge sums paid for services not rendered.”
It further accused the Commission of withholding refund for services not rendered.
“What happened to the money refunded to tour operators for services not rendered in 2022 and 2023 by Ithraa al Joud Company?”
It accused the Commission working to frustrate the contract between it and the service provider.
“It seems that the commission aims to frustrate AHUON and truncate the contract due to the company’s refusal to compromise on kickbacks.”
While it welcomed the decision by the National Assembly to hold public hearing with a view to cleaning up the Hajj operations, it warned against politicization of Hajj exercise.
“The National Assembly’s recent establishment of an Adhoc Committee to hear complaints and suggestions on making Hajj operations seamless, attractive, and cost-effective is a step in the right direction. However, the event is being politicized, and political aides are scrambling to partake in running the Hajj, disregarding the pains it will inflict on the final beneficiaries.
“We urge all stakeholders to look beyond personal gains and do the right thing. The Hajj industry should not be seen as an ATM waiting to be cashed.”
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