EFCC Summons NAHCON Chairman Over Alleged Mismanagement of N90bn Hajj Subsidy
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has summoned the Chairman of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Malam Jalal Arabi, to its headquarters in Jabi, Abuja. Arabi is scheduled to appear before the anti-graft agency at 10:00 am today (Tuesday) to provide detailed explanations regarding the expenditure of a N90 billion subsidy allocated for the 2024 Hajj exercise.
Sources within the EFCC revealed that Arabi will be questioned about the distribution of thousands of dollars allocated to NAHCON for the benefit of pilgrims. Additionally, the investigation is linked to a series of petitions alleging maltreatment of pilgrims during the 2024 pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia.
Arabi previously disclosed that each pilgrim who paid through the government quota received N1.6 million in support due to the instability of the naira. He explained that, following the depreciation of the currency as a result of the Central Bank of Nigeria’s foreign exchange reform, the payments made by intending pilgrims became insufficient. In response, the federal government approved a N90 billion intervention to assist the pilgrims, which was utilized by NAHCON.
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The EFCC spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, stated that he would verify the details of Arabi’s invitation but had not provided further information at the time of reporting.
The situation has garnered attention, including criticism from Niger State Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago, who called for the abolition of NAHCON due to the inadequate accommodation provided for Nigerian Tent A pilgrims during the Hajj. This group included state governors and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen. Bago expressed his disappointment with NAHCON’s conduct of the 2024 Hajj and vowed to advocate for its dissolution.
Source: Daily trust
