The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has announced the suspension of certain allowances for its staff during the 2024 hajj operation due to financial constraints.
This decision was communicated by the Executive Chairman of NAHCON, Jalal Arabi, through a statement released by the commission’s Assistant Director of Public Affairs, Fatima Sanda-Usara, on Thursday in Abuja.
Mr. Arabi elaborated that the financial downturn affecting various sectors has also impacted the commission’s ability to pay stipends to NAHCON staff involved in the hajj operations.
He expressed regret over the situation, acknowledging the significant demands and stresses that hajj operations place on both the staff and their families.
“Due to these financial constraints, certain allowances peculiar to NAHCON staff will remain suspended for the time being,” Mr. Arabi said. Despite these challenges, he remains optimistic that as the financial situation improves, there might be a possibility to reassess and potentially increase staff allowances, even if minimally.
To accommodate staff during this period, NAHCON has offered the option for staff to return to Nigeria after completing 21 days of service, should they choose to do so.
This was part of the communication Mr. Arabi had with staff members on offshore assignments via a Zoom meeting, where he explained the financial predicament the commission is facing and sought their understanding.
The financial constraints have not only affected NAHCON staff allowances but have also led the commission to request medical volunteerism from members of the National Medical Team.
 Additionally, the allowances of all operational committee members, including the Media Team, Ulama, Security, and other stakeholders, have been impacted due to budgetary limitations.
Mr. Arabi appealed for maximum support and cooperation from all parties involved. “I am fully aware that not all will be happy with this drastic departure from the past. However, the reality reflects the situation in which the whole country finds itself,” he stated.
He noted that the financial constraints have also influenced the deployment of staff for offshore assignments, leading to a more staggered deployment than usual.
“Normally, staff deployment for the offshore operations is staggered due to the nature of tasks they are expected to perform. While the commission would have preferred to travel with all its staff to facilitate easier coordination, the current financial circumstances necessitated difficult decisions to ensure the viability of the operations,” Mr. Arabi explained.
Despite the challenges, Mr. Arabi praised the dedication and commitment of NAHCON staff, expressing gratitude for their understanding and cooperation during this difficult period.
He reassured all stakeholders that the commission is committed to navigating the financial challenges while prioritizing the well-being of pilgrims, its personnel, and the overall success of the hajj operations.
The chairman emphasized that the commission will continue to strive for efficient management of resources to ensure that the operations proceed smoothly, despite the financial hurdles.
