How we cut Hajj cost despite allegations – NAHCON chairman

In this interview with Weekend Trust, the chairman of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Professor Abdullahi Saleh Usman, responds to recent allegations of misappropriation of funds by the commission and the ongoing investigation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). He also speaks about initiatives aimed at protecting pilgrims’ welfare, cutting pilgrimage […]

In this interview with Weekend Trust, the chairman of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Professor Abdullahi Saleh Usman, responds to recent allegations of misappropriation of funds by the commission and the ongoing investigation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). He also speaks about initiatives aimed at protecting pilgrims’ welfare, cutting pilgrimage cost, among others.

 

What are the new things you brought since you assumed office as NAHCON chairman?

When I resumed office, I first looked at the commission’s mandate. It is fundamentally about pilgrims’ welfare, so I began developing strategies to ensure that they are well taken care of.

We started by contacting our service providers to secure subsidies on all charges related to performing Hajj. By the grace of God, we succeeded in obtaining discounts. Perhaps, had we not done that, last year’s Hajj could have cost more than N11 million, but we were able to secure reductions. For instance, before my assumption, services at Mina, Arafat and Muzdalifah were charged about 4,770Riyals. With this initiative, I was able to get service providers to reduce that by 720Riyals per pilgrim; and 720 times, 405 is a significant sum.

• Who succeeds Yakubu as INEC chair?
• INEC: Yakubu’s successor must talk less – NPSA president

We also obtained a discount of 200Riyals on every service rendered to Nigerian pilgrims in Madinah. When converted to naira, that is a large amount. We secured a further 303Riyals reduction on transport fares from Makkah to Mina.

We noticed that we were paying Hajj carriers (airlines) in dollars. Because exchange rates often surge between when we contract and when we pay, that caused serious problems. We, therefore, insisted that every airline working with us agree to accept payment in naira since pilgrims pay in naira for Umrah and business trips. We convinced them to accept naira payments, and that has helped us greatly.

Another change was persuading the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to drop a policy that had pilgrims issued only credit cards. In Saudi Arabia, ATMs at the Haram and other sites are limited and not user-friendly for many of our pilgrims. With over 60,000 pilgrims, imagine the difficulty for a farmer or herder from a rural area expected to operate ATMs in Arabic. People already struggle with ATMs in Nigeria, let alone Saudi Arabia. We were fortunate to get the policy changed so pilgrims could receive cash as usual. We hope, in future, to get approval to issue riyals to pilgrims before airlift instead of using dollars.

We reviewed the Hajj savings scheme. Before, only one bank was used, marginalising regions where that bank had no branches. We expanded the scheme to four banks to give more people access.

Finally, to fulfill our responsibility for pilgrims’ welfare, we sought federal government’s support for health matters, which had been a heavy cost for pilgrims. The government responded and supplied medical supplies worth hundreds of millions during the last Hajj operations. We did not spend NAHCON funds on those supplies.

 

Recently, the EFCC invited some staff of the commission. What would you say on that?

This commission is a government agency, and it is the duty of investigation bodies to look into allegations wherever they arise. Nobody can question their mandate to investigate. When we finished the last Hajj operation, the world acknowledged it as the best since the commission’s inception. Not a single pilgrim complained. I expected a warm reception on return, but events unfolded differently. I may not be aware of all that happened and the investigation is ongoing.

 

As an Islamic scholar who spent decades preaching on the importance of Hajj and the dangers of fraudulent acts, what do you think are the reasons behind the allegations?

The issue is confusing because this commission is almost uniquely staffed by Muslims, yet it has faced many crises. From what I have gathered, most complaints originated within the commission, often because someone felt bitter that others travelled to Saudi without them, or because someone complained that another person had received something and they did not. Out of envy, some decided to blackmail the commission. That is my understanding so far; the situation still surprises me.

The authorities have told us that the evidence that led to EFCC’s involvement came from within the commission. Such internal allegations should have followed due process: the complainant should first lodge a complaint internally, and only if dissatisfied, proceed further. Till date, we have not received a single formal complaint within the commission.

 

Are your doors open to receive those complaints?

Before my appointment I was known as an Islamic scholar who led prayers and preached; people like me do not close their doors to anyone. Anyone with a reason to see me, regardless of status, may do so at any time.

I have ensured that staff welfare receives attention. Before my appointment, no chairman mandated that staff be paid 30 days’ allowances; they usually received two weeks to 15 days during Hajj operations. Also, previously NAHCON staff were forbidden from performing Hajj during operations; that tradition lasted more than 10 years. I allowed everyone who wanted to perform Hajj during operations to do so and the workers were happy. Within two weeks of resumption, I discovered outstanding allowances; when I confirmed they were due, I approved payment and settled them. With these measures, I expected praise, not the current accusations.

 

Among other allegations, you were accused of changing all the service providers in Saudi Arabia?

The issues are under investigation. The outcome will vindicate the accused or otherwise. Investigations are ongoing, and if I am invited to appear, I will go. Public commentary now would risk prejudicing matters before the commission officially questions me.

 

Were you invited?

I think investigators are proceeding step by step; if I am invited, I will certainly go. I will reserve public comment until then.

 

What would you say about the allegation that you have a weakness in understanding English and some of your relatives you brought into the commission are capitalising on that to mislead you?

It is true I did my first degree at the Islamic University in Madinah (completed in 1984), then went to Pakistan for a second degree and worked there. After returning to Nigeria, I enrolled at the Usmanu Danfodiyo University for my doctorate. Most of my studies were in Arabic. Almost 90 per cent of our dealings are with Saudi Arabia, where Arabic is the main language, which I see as an advantage. I have acquired moderate English ability, though I am more fluent in Arabic. My English is not so weak that I cannot understand documents; if I don’t, I am never too shy to ask someone more informed.

Regarding relatives, I have a brother who worked 31 years as a federal civil servant and trained administrator in the Ministry of Defence, Ministry of Information and Ministry of Agriculture before moving to the NAHCON. I brought him because I needed a trusted, trained assistant.  I also brought in Abdullahi Abdulmalik (reported as my maternal uncle), but that claim is false. We are not from the same state or language group. He is a deputy director at the Ministry of Finance and nearly due for retirement. I brought him for his financial expertise because many complaints I received were related to finances. These are the only two people I personally brought into the commission.

 

There were allegations of special treatment given to some personalities during Hajj operations, especially regarding tent allocation?

From the inception of NAHCON’s Hajj operations, there have been categories of tents: ordinary, Tent A, Tent A+ etc. These categories are not new. The commission arranges tents according to what pilgrims pay. Anyone under Tent A or A+ has paid above 15,000Riyals; ordinary tents were around 4,050Riyals. With such fee variations, you cannot expect identical services.

This year, I used my contacts to secure space in a building closer to Jamarat for some dignitaries, and the cost was the same as what is paid in the field. The commission did not rent different tents for pilgrims discriminately. Everyone pays for their chosen accommodation.

 

Don’t you think the allegation of corruption against the commission is portraying all of you in bad light?

Honestly, this is important. This commission is the only major federal agency composed entirely of Muslims, yet we receive disproportionate scrutiny. NAHCON staff are relatively few, not up to 500, whereas other ministries, departments and agencies have thousands and yet do not attract this level of noise. I am investigating why this is happening, but from what I understand, it is driven by personal interests, envy or similar motives.

Recall that last year, the federal government provided a N90 billion subsidy to ease the burden on pilgrims who paid early when the dollar rate rose sharply. The government covered balances so that each of the 95,000 pilgrims would receive N3.6 million in support to complete payments. Those who paid early and followed instructions had their balance covered; late payers paid the updated amount. Not a single pilgrim complained about not receiving the promised support. So where are these allegations coming from? Some people, when frustrated, fabricate stories. For example, current accusations mentioned five or six individuals, each allegedly involved in N50 billion fraud. Multiply that and the total makes no sense: if it refers to last year, the funds were spent on pilgrim services that were delivered; if it refers to this year, we haven’t collected a single kobo yet. These claims appear baseless and fabricated by outsiders.

I am still investigating the root of these assertions. If someone publicises an accusation in the press, it is often taken as truth simply because I am associated with religion. But accusations must be properly investigated.

 

Have you ever been frightened by these investigations?

By Allah, not at all.

 

Why?

Because I am confident that a sincere and fair investigation will show that I am not guilty. I have not committed the acts I am being accused of.

I prefer not to discuss those matters here. If required, I will appear and explain. It is inappropriate to present my defence in this interview instead of where it belongs.

 

What is your relationship with other NAHCON commissioners? Is the ride going smoothly?

I met the commissioners here, so I am somewhat new to them. As the saying goes, “The eye doesn’t like a stranger.” Maybe some wondered, “Why wasn’t I chosen? Why bring in this ustaz to lead us?” But when I was in Pakistan I served as director of education for the Muslim World League, which runs over 700 schools across Pakistan, I led that department for three years. Leading Arabs as a black man is challenging, regardless of fluency, but Alhamdulillah, we parted on good terms. I always say that our success comes from Allah’s help.

Teamwork has been key. I consulted those I needed to consult, involved those who needed involvement and gave everyone their due rights. That helped, though concerns from some are inevitable.

 

One major complaint Nigerian pilgrims have had for years is being housed far from the Haram in Makkah or Madinah. How was this handled?

In Madinah, every pilgrim who went this year got accommodation closer to the Haram than ever before. We secured locations previously reserved for ministers, governors or the wealthy. Pilgrims were amazed at the housing and meals they received and testified to the quality.

Madinah is the only location under our full control. In Makkah we do not secure accommodation for everyone, only for key stakeholders and scholars under our umbrella; each state secures accommodation for its pilgrims. We inspect facilities in Makkah to ensure that they meet standards before approval. If a state chooses accommodation far from the Haram because it is cheaper, we reject it and ask them to find something better. However, Makkah has a new urban plan to create zones without residential buildings, and ordinary residents will be relocated from the city centre, leaving fewer buildings near the Haram and pushing available accommodation farther away. We can accommodate pilgrims anywhere, but it depends on budget and preferences.

 

Why are there challenges with Hajj payments; and what advice do you have for intending pilgrims to ensure proper support?

We have been engaging religious leaders, imams, preachers and radio stations to encourage early payment. I am about to lead a delegation to Katsina to meet the governor to mobilise scholars for this purpose. Every year, we plead for deadline extension, which worries Saudi authorities. Anyone intending to go for Hajj should pay early. About two months ago we allowed people to deposit N8.5 million as preliminary payment. We hope this year’s Hajj cost would be lower than last year’s.

 

But nothing seems to come down in Nigeria. What gives you the confidence?

Compare last year’s Hajj to the previous one. At that time, the dollar was N1,200 and payment was N8.4 million. This year, the dollar rose to N1,600, yet payment remained around N8.4 million, plus a small addition.

 

What strategy are you using to reduce Hajj cost?

Those flying from the North-West or North-Central received a dollar reduction of $116. Those from the North-East got $149 reduction because of proximity to Saudi Arabia. The South, farthest from Makkah, received $138 reduction. These reductions collectively produced savings that exceeded N50 billion.

 

Would you consider this a personal achievement?

I can’t claim that. When I first investigated, I discovered that in the 2023 Hajj, a service paid for by pilgrims – air conditioning – was not rendered in Mina and Arafat. Pilgrims had paid for air conditioners but did not receive it. I refunded N5.3 billion to Nigerians: each of the 95,000 pilgrims received N60,000 and some change.

We set up complaint committees and said any pilgrim who didn’t receive it should report. So far, I haven’t received a single complaint. EFCC and ICPC officials were present during distribution.

 

Were you ever tempted to misappropriate the leftover fund?

I have seen what happens to those who do that, how dirty money ends and how hoarders fall. I wanted to avoid such a fate. This year, every pilgrim’s tent had large refrigerators stocked with soft drinks, water, tea and dates constantly replenished. Pilgrims in Mina were comfortable. VIP tents for dignitaries matched five-star hotels in standard and service. Some might say, after I recovered that N5 billion, pilgrims might have forgotten about it. Others may wonder why I returned it. What should surprise people is if I had kept the money. I have spent 36 years as a Juma’at mosque imam, giving tafsir and preaching against forbidden wealth. I even requested anti-corruption agencies to be witnesses to the disbursements to each state – and they were. So it would have been shocking if I had taken the money.