With preparations ramping up for the airlift of Nigerian pilgrims to the 2025 Hajj, a civil society organization, Independent Hajj Reporters (IHR), has urged the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) and State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Boards (SMPWBs) to adopt a merit-based approach in appointing adhoc officials for the pilgrimage.
In a statement signed by its National Coordinator, Ibrahim Muhammad, IHR expressed concern over recurring issues in past Hajj exercises where some appointed officials neglected their duties upon arrival in Saudi Arabia. The group noted that some officials have even returned to Nigeria prematurely, abandoning the pilgrims they were assigned to support.
“These adhoc officials are often among the first to be flown back home, leaving behind the very pilgrims they were meant to assist,” the statement read.
Highlighting the importance of officials in ensuring a smooth Hajj experience, IHR emphasized that neither #NAHCON nor the SMPWBs possess enough manpower to adequately cater to Nigerian pilgrims, particularly during overseas operations. The organization called for the adoption of international best practices in appointing adhoc teams, citing examples from Malaysia, Indonesia, Pakistan, and Bangladesh.
“In these countries, applications are invited publicly, candidates undergo interviews and screening processes, and successful applicants are required to sign an undertaking that outlines their responsibilities, duration of stay in Saudi Arabia, entitlements, and penalties for non-performance,” #IHR explained.
The group also decried the growing influence of political patronage and nepotism in the selection process, warning that such practices compromise service delivery and burden the Hajj operation with unqualified personnel.
“There are instances where trained staff of the pilgrims’ boards are sidelined in favour of politically connected individuals, who sometimes act like pilgrims themselves, demanding special treatment and adding to the workload of administrators,” the statement continued.
IHR proposed that, instead of assigning official duties to political appointees, complimentary #Hajj seats could be offered for political goodwill while prioritizing professional competence for adhoc roles.
“These developments, if unchecked, will compromise the quality of services rendered to Nigerian #pilgrims who make significant financial sacrifices to fulfill this spiritual obligation,” the group concluded.
The organization called on all stakeholders to put the interests of the pilgrims first, ensuring that only qualified, committed personnel are selected to assist them in achieving a spiritually fulfilling Hajj.
