Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, on Wednesday, condemned the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) for failing to meet expectations, despite charging over N8 million for a Hajj seat.
He highlighted the difficulties Nigerian pilgrims face in Saudi Arabia and stressed the need to decentralize Hajj operations.
This, he believes, would allow state governments to better oversee Hajj affairs and ensure the welfare of their pilgrims.
The governor expressed his concerns to Bauchi pilgrims in Mecca, noting that NAHCON’s policies and other stakeholders’ actions have caused significant hardships, including providing less than $500 as Basic Travelling Allowance (BTA) despite the high cost of Hajj seats.
He warned that state governors might collaborate to challenge NAHCON’s control over Hajj affairs if issues aren’t addressed.
Additionally, he announced a Sallah gift of 300 Saudi Riyal for each of the 2,685 Bauchi pilgrims.
In response, NAHCON Chairman, Alhaji Jalal Ahmad Arabi, acknowledged the challenges faced by pilgrims but stated that many of these issues were beyond the Commission’s control.
He praised Nigerian pilgrims for their patience and understanding during the Hajj exercise.
