The Managing Director of Cargo Zeal, Abdulaziz Afolabi, has raised alarm over the growing activities of illegal cargo handlers during the 2025 Hajj, blaming some state officials for sabotaging licensed operators approved by the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON).
Afolabi, whose company is a registered NAHCON cargo handler, described the situation as “damaging and dangerous,” noting that illegal operators not only undercut prices and compromise service quality, but also operate without insurance or regulatory oversight.
“This year, officials of Plateau State totally blocked NAHCON-licensed cargo operators from entering their pilgrims’ accommodation,” Afolabi alleged. “Instead, they gave full access to unlicensed handlers, despite knowing they don’t meet regulatory requirements.”
He warned that such actions put pilgrims at risk and make the cargo process vulnerable to theft, delays, or even more serious infractions, such as trafficking in prohibited items.
“Illegal operators lie to pilgrims, promising unrealistic delivery timelines just to collect cargo. Most of them don’t deliver or delay for weeks,” he said.
While noting that enlightenment efforts are ongoing, he stressed that the real issue lies with compromised state officials who allow these illegal operators unrestricted access to pilgrims.
“If the states block them from entering pilgrim accommodations, they will not thrive. NAHCON must act now to protect licensed operators and pilgrims alike,” Afolabi said.
