The Forum of State and FCT Chief Executive Officers of Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Boards/Agencies has thrown its weight behind the proposed amendments to the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) Act.

This was as it accused NAHCON of overstepping its mandate by handling services states should oversee, even as it alleged that the commission lacked transparency.

The forum made its views known during the Senate Committee public hearing on a bill titled, ‘A Bill for an Act to Amend the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria to Involve States of the Federation and the Federal Capital Territory in the selection of Airline for Hajj Operation to Promote Efficiency, Accountability and Related Matters’.

Sponsored by Senator Abbas Aminu Iya representing Adamawa Central, the bill queried the practice which allows states Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Boards to handle accommodation and feeding of their pilgrims in Mecca, while NAHCON handles accommodation and feeding of all pilgrims in Madina and Masha’ir (Mina and Arafat).

This, according to the bill, creates many inconveniences to pilgrims and affects NAHCON’s ability for effective regulatory function. At the public hearing on Thursday, the secretary of the forum, Abubakar Salihu, demanded more authority in key areas like airline selection, service negotiations, and the Hajj Savings Scheme.

The forum requested the inclusion of at least two state representatives on NAHCON’s Board. The forum criticised NAHCON for high Hajj flight fares and claimed that states’ involvement could save up to $660 per pilgrim.

The forum also demanded that states should be allowed to operate the scheme under an independent Board of Trustees as stipulated by the law, urging the Senate to pass the amendments to improve efficiency, accountability, and affordability for Nigerian pilgrims.

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), on its part, expressed concerns over the proposed bill to amend the selection of airlines for Hajj operations.

In a statement, NAHCON Chairman, Prof. Abdullahi Saleh Usman, stressed the importance of careful consideration to avoid disruptions in operations, while maintaining Nigeria’s relationship with Saudi Arabia.

NAHCON outlined its current system where states are involved in the screening and selection of air carriers based on safety standards.  While expressing support for giving states more choice, the Commission cautioned against reducing its regulatory role, especially under Saudi Arabia’s 50 per cent-50 per cent airlift quota.

The commission also warned that involving international airlines like Ethiopian Airlines and Emirates could lead to higher costs for states, potentially placing a financial burden on pilgrims.

NAHCON, therefore, urged stakeholders to approach the proposed amendments with diplomacy to ensure smooth and cost-effective Hajj operations.  However, the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) commended the Senate for proposing a bill to improve the welfare and experience of Nigerian pilgrims.

The council, led by Alhaji Mohammed Sa’ad Abubakar, expressed support for the proposed bill.The council advocated for full participation from all relevant stakeholders in the selection of Hajj carriers, considering every aspect of the Hajj and Umrah industry for transparency and inclusivity.

The NSCIA also called for clearer guidelines in appointing NAHCON officials and greater stakeholder inclusion in air carrier selection. They also recommended allowing hotels in Saudi Arabia to provide meals directly to pilgrims to improve efficiency.

The NSCIA recommended greater inclusivity in the selection of NAHCON members, calling for enhanced involvement of state boards and tour operators in managing Hajj services.

Secretary of the Concerned Muslim Stakeholders Assembly, Ayeni Abdul Akeem, lamented the opaque management of Hajj operations despite shared religious values.

“We must remember that we will all stand before God to account for our actions. Transparency must be prioritised,” he said.