2024 Hajj: NAHCON Disappoints Nigerian Pilgrims – Gov Bala Mohammed
By Isiyaka Ismail Wunti
Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State has frowned at what he described as disappointment of Nigerian Pilgrims by National Hajj Commission of Nigeria NAHCON in the 2024 Hajj exercise.
To this end, he stressed the need to decentralize most of the Hajj services in a manner that would allow state Governments take full control of Hajj affairs towards ensuring adequate welfare of pilgrims who paid for Hajj seat through their respective State Pilgrims Welfare Board.
The Governor made the displeasure while interacting with the state pilgrims at Mina, the city of tents in Mecca.
He stated that in this year’s Hajj exercise, pilgrims are subjected into untold hardship due to the unfavorable policies introduced by NAHCON and relevant stakeholders especially the provision of less than five hundred dollars as Basic Travilling Allowance BTA to each pilgrim despite the exorbitant charges of over eight million naira for a Hajj seat.
Governor Bala Mohammed therefore assured that the state Governors would work collectively to break the monopoly of Hajj Affairs by NAHCON if measures are not taken to address the challenges identified.
The Governor used the opportunity to announce a donation of three hundred Saudi Riyal to each of the two thousand six hundred and eighty Bauchi pilgrims as a Sallah gift.
Mean while, the Chairman of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria NAHCON, Alhaji Jalal Ahmad Arabi while addressing the state contingents explained that most of the challenges are beyond the control of the commission.
He commended the pilgrims for their patience and understanding towards achieving success in the Hajj exercise.
