The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has issued a summons for Malam Jalal Arabi, the Chairman of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), to appear at its headquarters in Jabi, Abuja. Arabi is slated to meet with EFCC officials at 10 a.m. today (Tuesday) to account for the N90 billion subsidy allocated for the 2024 Hajj pilgrimage.
Sources within the EFCC disclosed to Daily Trust that Arabi would need to provide a detailed explanation on the distribution of the substantial funds intended for thousands of Nigerian pilgrims. This summons is part of a broader investigation into alleged financial improprieties and mistreatment of pilgrims during the 2024 Hajj in Saudi Arabia.
“We are carrying out our legal duties impartially. The EFCC is focused on tackling financial crimes,” an EFCC insider stated, emphasizing the agency’s commitment to transparency and justice.
Despite repeated attempts to obtain further details, EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale had not responded by the time of this report.
In a statement released on Monday, Arabi defended NAHCON’s financial management, explaining that each pilgrim who paid through the government quota received N1.6 million due to the instability of the naira. He highlighted that the Central Bank of Nigeria’s foreign exchange reforms led to insufficient initial payments, prompting NAHCON to seek federal assistance. The President approved a N90 billion intervention to support the pilgrims instead of providing a concessionary exchange rate.
Compounding the controversy, Governor Umaru Bago of Niger State recently called for an urgent investigation into the alleged mismanagement of the significant federal government subsidy for the Hajj pilgrimage. Speaking at a press conference in Saudi Arabia, Governor Bago did not mince words in his criticism of NAHCON’s handling of public funds.
“It’s unfortunate, and there is a need for the National Assembly to probe these funds,” Governor Bago declared, voicing serious concerns over the transparency and efficiency of NAHCON’s financial operations.
Furthermore, Governor Bago announced his intention to lead efforts within the Nigeria Governors’ Forum to propose legislation aimed at dismantling NAHCON’s operational authority. “NAHCON is not helping matters. The government has no business in doing this business,” he asserted, advocating for a privatized approach to ensure better efficiency and accountability in managing Hajj affairs.
The ongoing investigation by the EFCC, coupled with the outspoken criticism from political leaders, underscores the growing scrutiny over the management of the Hajj pilgrimage funds and raises critical questions about financial governance within NAHCON.
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