The Nigerian House of Representatives has uncovered large-scale corruption in the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), implicating top officials in the mismanagement of the N90 billion federal subsidy allocated for the 2024 Hajj exercise. The subsidy, approved by President Bola Tinubu in May 2024, was intended to ease the financial burden on pilgrims but has now been exposed as a cover for fraud and financial irregularities. 

A committee led by Hon. Sada Soli, representing Jibia/Kaita Federal Constituency in Katsina State, conducted a detailed investigation into NAHCON's handling of the funds. Launched in July 2024 after a motion by Kwara lawmaker Omar Bio, the probe revealed that the subsidy was disbursed in secrecy, with no clear accounting for how the funds were utilized. Many pilgrims, despite paying exorbitant fees of up to N9 million each, were left stranded in poor accommodations with limited resources. 

Following public outrage, President Tinubu dismissed NAHCON Chairman Jalal Arabi in August 2024, replacing him with Abdullahi Usman. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) later indicted Arabi and NAHCON Secretary Abdullahi Kontagora for their roles in a multi-million-dollar fraud scheme, further confirming lawmakers' findings of corruption at the agency. Reports indicate that a significant portion of the funds was transferred to offshore accounts in Saudi Arabia without proper oversight. 

State governors and private tour operators also raised concerns over NAHCON's mismanagement, highlighting discrepancies in service charges between state-sponsored pilgrims and those using private operators. Additionally, transportation logistics were poorly handled, forcing elderly pilgrims to walk long distances due to a lack of properly coordinated buses. The investigation also uncovered irregularities within the Federal Capital Territory Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, which fraudulently increased the number of sponsored officials beyond the approved budget. 

Another key issue flagged in the report was Nigeria's Bilateral Air Agreement with Saudi Arabia, which mandates that 50% of Nigerian pilgrims must be airlifted by a Saudi airline. Lawmakers criticized this arrangement, arguing that it undermines Nigeria's aviation industry and limits economic opportunities for local airlines. The committee has urged the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority and the Ministry of Aviation to renegotiate the deal in the country's best interest. 

The House of Representatives has called for stricter oversight of NAHCON's operations to prevent future abuses. Lawmakers have also recommended a full financial audit of the commission and prosecution of those responsible for diverting public funds. The scandal has once again highlighted the need for greater transparency in managing public resources, especially in religious and humanitarian affairs.

Source: https://saharareporters.com/2025/04/02/house-reps-indicts-nigerian-hajj-commission-over-n90billion-subsidy-fraud