In a landmark move to improve the Hajj experience for Nigerian pilgrims, the House of Representatives has approved sweeping reforms aimed at enhancing the services provided by the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board.
The approved reforms are designed to ensure transparency, eliminate financial mismanagement, and improve the overall pilgrimage experience. One of the most significant changes is the creation of a Hajj Tribunal, which will address issues such as contract breaches, financial disputes, and service failures between NAHCON, tour operators, and pilgrims. “This tribunal will give pilgrims a platform to seek redress for any grievances they may have,” said Sada Soli, chairman of the ad-hoc committee.
Another key reform focuses on the Bilateral Air Agreement that currently allows Saudi-owned airlines to transport 50% of Nigerian pilgrims. The House has directed that this agreement be renegotiated to give Nigerian domestic airlines a fairer share of the airlift business, acknowledging their proven capacity to handle the pilgrimage.
To promote transparency, NAHCON has been instructed to publish a detailed breakdown of all Hajj-related charges, ensuring that all costs are justified and transparent. The commission is also tasked with implementing a uniform fee structure for pilgrims, with clear explanations for any variations in costs.
In a bid to ease the financial burden on pilgrims, lawmakers have recommended an increase in the $500 Basic Travel Allowance (BTA) to a more reasonable sum, allowing for better financial support during the pilgrimage. Additionally, NAHCON will be tasked with decentralizing accommodation management, allowing State Pilgrims Welfare Boards and private tour operators to help negotiate benchmark prices for accommodation.
Other reforms include the establishment of a service rating system for accommodation providers to ensure quality and timely disbursement of funds for accommodation. NAHCON will also be required to implement a refund mechanism for pilgrims if services or accommodations fall short of expectations, with penalties imposed on service providers who fail to meet agreed standards.
To address pilgrims’ complaints effectively, the House has urged NAHCON to establish a dedicated complaints resolution unit that will handle issues related to accommodation, feeding, and transportation. The commission will also be required to implement a transparent system for issuing official Hajj visas to registered tour operators, ensuring that visa distribution is proportionate to the number of pilgrims managed by each operator.
In a bid to ensure better meal services, the House has directed NAHCON to contract Nigerian food caterers to prepare culturally-appropriate meals for pilgrims, with stringent quality control checks in place to guarantee hygiene and nutrition.
In a final move to ensure accountability, lawmakers have called for a comprehensive audit of NAHCON’s N90 billion federal subsidy allocated for the 2024 Hajj operations, urging anti-graft agencies and the Office of the Auditor General to probe NAHCON’s claims regarding the sponsorship of 1,000 officials from the subsidy.
These reforms are expected to bring about much-needed changes to the Hajj process, ensuring that Nigerian pilgrims enjoy a smoother, more transparent, and better-supported experience during the pilgrimage.
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