* Reaffirms commitment to welfare of Nigerian pilgrims
The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has said that the need to meet Saudi Arabia’s stringent deadlines and ensure uninterrupted service to Nigerian pilgrims led to the engagement of a supplementary service provider.
The Commission was clarifying claims of contract breach with Mashariqi Al-Dhahabiah, a Saudi-based service provider, as reported in some sections of the media.
In a statement by its Head of Public Affairs, Muhammad Ahmad Musa, NAHCON said it is engaging with Mashariqi Al-Dhahabiah on the issue, while also reaffirming its commitment to the welfare of Nigerian pilgrims.
“Since its inception, NAHCON has been honouring all contractual commitments, upholding the standards of transparency and accountability,” the statement read.
“On January 17, 2025, during a pre-Hajj visit following the Hajj exhibition, NAHCON and Mashariq al Dhahabia entered into an agreement to provide ground and Masha’ir services for Nigerian States’ Pilgrims.
“The decision to supplement Mashariq’s services with an additional provider was made after identifying operational challenges specifically, issues with Mashariq’s listing on the Saudi Visa Portal, Nusuk.
“Despite subsequent corrective actions by Mashariq al Dhahabia, NAHCON’s proactive decision to engage a supplementary provider was driven by the need to meet stringent Saudi deadlines and to ensure uninterrupted service to Nigerian Pilgrims.”
The Commission said the report by some media houses on threats of legal action by Mashariq al Dhahabia appears like a pressure to grant an exclusive monopoly of the states’ quota to the Saudi-based company.
“NAHCON firmly rejects any attempt to create confusion or compromise the welfare of the Nigerian Pilgrims,” the Head Public Affairs said.
“Instead, the Commission’s strategy is to foster a competitive environment that is aimed at reducing costs and enhancing service quality.”
NAHCON said it remains steadfast in its commitment to contractual integrity and the well-being of the Nigerian pilgrims.
“The Commission will continue striving to operate with transparency and accountability, undeterred by allegations or attempts to undermine its mission.
“NAHCON is also committed to excellence, transparency and the welfare of Nigerian Pilgrims in service provision of this sacred journey.”
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