The attention of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has been drawn to false and misleading reports alleging that over ₦1.64 billion was expended on staff spouses during the 2025 Hajj operation. These allegations, including spurious claims that NAHCON Chairman, Professor Abdullahi Saleh Usman, lodged in a $1,000-per-night suite at Hilton Makkah Suites and traveled with 12 family members, are entirely baseless and appear to be part of a coordinated attempt to malign the Commission and its leadership.
For the record, NAHCON categorically states that it does not fund the travel or accommodation of staff spouses. What exists is a Board-approved welfare policy that allows staff serving in Saudi Arabia for over a month to voluntarily sponsor their spouses at a significantly reduced package rate. This package explicitly excludes major services such as accommodation in Makkah, meals, basic travel allowance (BTA), and inter-city transportation—expenses that are fully borne by the sponsoring staff from their personal funds.
The claim that NAHCON staff are financially incapable of sponsoring their spouses is not only incorrect but patronizing. Participation in the arrangement is strictly voluntary, and in several instances, spouses contribute to their own travel costs. No ethical or financial breach exists in this transparent process.
The financial figures being circulated are grossly exaggerated and based on flawed assumptions. Contrary to claims of blanket spending, the limited spouse package covers only a few services—namely visas, air tickets, and accommodation in Masha’ir and Madinah. Reports suggesting otherwise are misleading and unsupported by any official documentation.
Regarding the specific allegation against the Chairman, NAHCON states unequivocally that there are no financial records, approvals, or receipts indicating any such luxury accommodation or extended family travel funded by the Commission. In fact, the Chairman personally financed his spouse’s travel through standard procedures, and no family member participated in any official NAHCON capacity. Even visa processing was handled independently.
Similarly, the accusation that staff spouses occupied accommodation intended for pilgrims or officials is untrue. NAHCON maintains strict housing protocols closely monitored by assigned teams, with zero tolerance for unauthorized use.
While NAHCON welcomes any investigation by competent bodies such as the EFCC, such probes must be guided by facts, not politically motivated fabrications. The Commission undergoes regular audits by the Office of the Auditor-General of the Federation and operates with full adherence to financial best practices.
It is disheartening that, despite overseeing what has been widely hailed as the most successful Hajj operation in nearly 15 years, detractors remain committed to discrediting NAHCON. Their motives may stem from resistance to reforms, dissatisfaction with transparent leadership, or discomfort with the Chairman’s uncompromising integrity and religious credibility.
In due course, the truth will prevail. NAHCON remains firmly committed to its mandate of accountability, transparency, and service to the Nigerian Muslim community. Those attempting to undermine the Commission’s progress and legacy for political or personal reasons will ultimately be exposed.
