The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has denied allegations of nepotism within the commission, stating that all appointments and assignments are made in line with due process and civil service regulations.
The commission was reacting to recent media reports accusing its leadership of favoritism in making appointments.
The commission specifically refuted claims that its chairman, Professor Abdullahi Saleh, appointed his son as a Personal Assistant within the commission.
NAHCON’s Assistant Director, Information and Publications, Fatima Sanda Usara, who made the clarification in a statement on Friday, also dismissed reports suggesting that retirees remain on its official staff list, adding that such claims were either a result of misinformation or a misunderstanding of its structure.
Usara said: “As a public institution, NAHCON always ensures that its leaders and employees are guided by its regulatory framework and civil service procedures in all its operations, administrative or otherwise.
“NAHCON’s leadership recognises the important role of staff unions in advocating for employee welfare in establishments all over the world.
“However, the commission rejects the misrepresentations made in some reports making the rounds over its interaction with its Staff Union. It is common knowledge that staff unions in any parastatal agitate for staff welfare and protect staff interests over those of others.
“Therefore, management was not perturbed when it received a letter from the union’s EXCO agitating for NAHCON staff elevation and welfare over those of other pool officers—demands that are being addressed. Therefore, contrary to claims circulating in the media, the NAHCON Staff Union did not submit a petition against the commission’s leadership.
“A petition means reporting the leadership to an external agency. Instead, the union issued an internal reminder to NAHCON management on certain internal matters.
“Regarding allegations of nepotism, we in the commission categorically state that appointments and assignments within NAHCON are guided strictly by due process.
“Specifically, the claim that Professor Abdullahi Saleh has appointed his son as a Personal Assistant within the commission is false. Additionally, claims that retirees remain on NAHCON’s official staff list suggest either deliberate misinformation or a misunderstanding of the commission’s structure.
“While NAHCON welcomes constructive feedback, we implore pressmen and their aiders to keep discussions about NAHCON’s leadership and operations factual, valuable, and free from sensationalism. NAHCON’s management remains open to addressing any legitimate concerns through the appropriate channels rather than media campaigns designed to mislead the public.
“The commission’s priority is to focus on its core responsibility of ensuring a smooth Hajj for Nigerian pilgrims. Management appreciates meaningful contributions that support this mission and encourages responsible discourse that upholds the integrity of information shared with the public.”
