NAHCON

By Uzair Adam

The Executive Chairman of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Prof. Saleh Usman, has announced the appointment of Alhaji Alidu Shutti as the acting Secretary of the commission, effective immediately.

This follows the voluntary retirement of the former Secretary, Dr. Abdullahi Kontagora, on December 6.

In a statement released on Wednesday by Mrs. Fatima Sanda-Usara, Assistant Director of the Information and Publications Division, it was revealed that Shutti, who had served as the Director of Inspectorate and Compliance at NAHCON since 2023, would hold the acting position until a substantive secretary is appointed.

Shutti’s career with NAHCON spans from 2007 to the present, during which he has held several key positions, including Head of the Tour Operators Division, Assistant Director of the Licensing Division, and Deputy Coordinator of the Makkah Office in 2022 and 2023.

With a Masters in Public Administration, a Bachelor’s degree in Islamic Studies, and a Diploma in Journalism, Shutti has also enhanced his expertise in Hajj operations by attending numerous seminars in countries such as the United Kingdom, the United Arab Emirates, and Saudi Arabia.

Known for his in-depth understanding of Hajj and Umrah operations, Shutti’s experience is expected to facilitate a smooth and successful 2025 Hajj operation.

By Uzair Adam 

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has allocated 1,518 slots to Jigawa State for the 2025 Hajj.  

Alhaji Ahmad Labbo, Director-General of the Jigawa State Pilgrims Welfare Board, disclosed this to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Saturday in Dutse.  

Labbo stated that 70 percent of the allocated slots have been distributed to the 27 local government areas in the state for sale to interested pilgrims. 

The remaining 30 percent is held in reserve until the initial allocation to each local government is fully utilized.  

He further revealed that intending pilgrims are required to pay a deposit of N8.4 million while awaiting NAHCON’s official announcement of the Hajj fare.  

Labbo urged prospective pilgrims to make early payments to enable the board to complete preparations for the pilgrimage.  

The Hajj, one of Islam’s five pillars, is an annual pilgrimage to Mecca undertaken by Muslims worldwide.

By Uzair Adam

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has refunded N4.4 billion to Pilgrims’ Welfare Boards across the 36 states, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), and the Armed Forces, following service lapses during the 2023 Hajj.

In a statement issued on Thursday in Abuja, NAHCON’s Head of Public Affairs, Malam Muhammad Musa, disclosed that the refund was specifically for electricity services that were inadequately provided during the Masha’ir (core Hajj period) by Saudi authorities.

Additionally, NAHCON has reimbursed N917.1 million to 192 accredited tour companies that participated in the pilgrimage, with instructions for the funds to be distributed to their respective pilgrims.

Further refunds to other participating tour operators will be made after necessary reconciliations.

“This refund demonstrates the Commission’s dedication to transparency and accountability under the leadership of its Chairman, Prof. Abdullahi Saleh Usman,” Musa stated.

He advised pilgrims who took part in the 2023 Hajj to contact their respective State Pilgrims’ Welfare Agencies or tour operators to claim their refunds, with each pilgrim entitled to receive N61,080.

Looking ahead to the 2025 Hajj, NAHCON urged intending pilgrims to deposit their Hajj fares promptly to facilitate early arrangements in line with Saudi guidelines.

To ensure the refund process is handled transparently, the Commission has called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), and other relevant agencies to monitor the disbursement closely.

“This collaboration will help ensure that the funds reach the intended beneficiaries without discrepancies,” Musa added.

By Uzair Adam

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has alerted the public to the activities of imposters falsely claiming to represent the commission in securing contracts for the 2025 Hajj.

In a statement released on Monday by Fatima Sanda Usara, NAHCON’s Assistant Director of Public Affairs, the commission stressed that it will not recognize any unauthorized agreements made in its name.

The statement explained that certain individuals have fraudulently contacted service providers and the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah under the guise of acting on behalf of NAHCON, making arrangements for accommodations and feeding for Nigerian pilgrims.

NAHCON Chairman, Prof. Abdullahi Saleh Usman, clarified that no individual or group has been authorized to make such arrangements.

“All official transactions must go through recognized NAHCON personnel and follow due process,” the statement emphasized.

The commission urged the public and service providers in both Nigeria and Saudi Arabia to verify all dealings through official channels to avoid falling victim to fraudulent schemes, noting that NAHCON will not be liable for any losses caused by such activities.

For any clarifications, stakeholders are advised to contact NAHCON through its official communication platforms.

By Uzair Adam

Aviation worker Auwal Ahmed Dankode has returned $10,000 (approximately N16 million) that he found while cleaning an aircraft at the Malam Aminu Kano International Airport.

Dankode, who works for the Nigeria Aviation Handling Company (NAHCO), discovered the money on an Egypt Air aircraft that landed around 1:30 pm on Wednesday.

He explained that he was performing a routine cleaning of the plane when he spotted the money in an envelope.

“In our training, we’re instructed to report any items found on aircraft to our supervisor,” Dankode told journalists.

“Since my supervisor wasn’t available at that time, I immediately reported the discovery to the airline company’s manager to help find the rightful owner.

“Shortly after, a man rushed to the aircraft, searching for his lost money. The manager asked him a series of questions to verify his claim, including the specific seat number where the envelope was found. Once his answers matched, the money was handed back to him.

Dankode expressed his joy at being able to return the lost money, saying, “I am very happy that God used me to make someone else happy.

“Returning what does not belong to me is nothing because that is the training we got from home. The owner, who spoke Arabic and did not understand Hausa, was so relieved and thankful that he hugged me many times.

“A native of Kode in Bunkure local government area, Kano State, Dankode is well-known for his honesty and strong sense of integrity.

By Sabiu Abdullahi 

President Bola Tinubu has appointed Professor Abdullahi Saleh Usman as the Executive Chairman of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON). 

This is contained in a statement released today by Chief Ajuri Ngelale, Special Adviser to the President (Media & Publicity) via his social media handles. 

The renowned scholar, who boasts qualifications from the University of Madinah and Peshawar University, Pakistan, is expected to bring his expertise to bear in leading the commission. 

Professor Usman’s experience in Hajj operations is noteworthy, having previously served as Chairman of the Kano State Pilgrims Board, where he successfully managed the largest quota of state pilgrims in the country. 

The appointment is subject to confirmation by the Senate. President Tinubu has charged the new Chairman to discharge his duties with “integrity, transparency, and utmost fidelity to the nation.”

The appointment of Prof. Pakistan comes a few days after the immediate sacked former NAHCON chairman, Jalal Arabi, was alleged to have squandered and mismanaged Hajj funds.