*We’ll take legal action to recover funds owed to our members: Ekundayo
* Delay stems from complexities of Hajj operations: Prof Usman
The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has appealed to Association for Hajj and Umrah Operators in Nigeria (AHOUN) not to halt the 2025 Hajj operations.
This is coming few hours after the Association for Hajj and Umrah Operators of Nigeria (AHUON) announced the suspension of all preparations for the 2025 Hajj.
Muslim News gathered that the decision is coming following unresolved disputes with the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON).
AHUON President, AbdulLateef Yusuff Ekundayo, in a statement issued to journalists on Thursday in Abuja, urged members to cease all Hajj-related activities until further notice.
The statement read, “AHUON’s decision stems from ongoing financial disagreements with NAHCON, particularly concerning outstanding refunds from previous Hajj operations. Despite numerous appeals, the dispute remains unresolved, with AHUON accusing NAHCON of delaying the process.
“The Commission only responded to AHUON’s requests on September 24, 2024, citing the need to align Nigeria’s Hajj process with the Saudi Arabian Hajj calendar as the reason for the delays.
“However, AHUON rejected this justification, arguing that it fails to address the critical issue over the unpaid refunds.
“AHUON’s National Executive Council (NEC) and its Board of Trustees (BOT) reached a unanimous decision to suspend preparations for Hajj 2025.
“The association has also vowed to take legal action to recover the funds owed its members. This suspension represents a significant escalation in the standoff between AHUON and NAHCON, potentially affecting Hajj operators and pilgrims across the country.”
AHUON urged its members to remain calm and united while it continues to seek a resolution to the dispute, expressing hope for a speedy and favorable outcome.
However, NAHCON in its reaction, noted with concern the recent directive by AHOUN instructing their members to suspend participation in 2025 Hajj preparations.
NAHCON noted that it has been in continuous communication with AHOUN on the matter.
It noted that it remains committed to addressing all legitimate concerns.
Fatima Sanda Usara, Assistant Director, Public Affairs in a statement issued on behalf of Acting Chairman, Prof Abdullahi Usman, NAHCON advises AHOUN leadership and its members to allow ongoing arrangements to yield the desired results without impeding the timely planning of the 2025 Hajj operations.
“While we acknowledge the issues raised regarding accumulated refunds, it is important to clarify that NAHCON has been in continuous communication with AHOUN on this matter and remains committed to addressing all legitimate concerns. The delay in resolving certain financial issues stems from the complexities of Hajj operations, which involve multiple stakeholders both locally and internationally, including Saudi authorities.
“NAHCON wishes to reassure AHOUN and the general public that the Commission has no intention of downplaying or neglecting the issue of refunds. On 24th September 2024, NAHCON communicated with AHOUN regarding the urgency of aligning with the Saudi Hajj calendar to avoid disruptions in the 2025 Hajj preparations, a position we still maintain as critical.
“Recently, the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah directed that only 20 lead companies would organize Hajj from Nigeria for ease of coordination and proper regulation. However, in good faith, NAHCON has agreed to mergers and consolidation to give all interested parties an opportunity to remain in business but with the interest of serving pilgrims satisfactorily in mind.
“Thus, as regulators, NAHCON strongly believes that open dialogue and continued collaboration are the best ways to resolve these matters without causing unnecessary disruptions that could affect the pilgrims and operators alike. NAHCON remains open to further discussions with AHOUN to iron out any lingering concerns and work towards a swift resolution.
“In the meantime, NAHCON advises AHOUN leadership and its members to allow ongoing arrangements to yield the desired results without impeding the timely planning of the 2025 Hajj operations. This is in the best interest of all parties involved because with or without AHUON, Arafat will still hold on the stipulated date. NAHCON’s doors are open for discussions”.
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