It is disheartening to see yet another round of sensational and poorly researched reporting targeting the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), this time with wild claims about so-called “billions of naira” spent on spouses of staff for the 2025 Hajj.
As someone who has closely followed NAHCON’s operations for years, I can confidently state that the report titled “Fresh Scandal Rocks NAHCON…” published by Newspoint Nigeria is riddled with inaccuracies and distortions:
1. Spouse Policy is Not a Secret
NAHCON’s spouse sponsorship policy is a long-standing, well-known practice — approved internally — allowing staff deployed on official Hajj duties to sponsor spouses based on approved number of slots to each grade level, at a cost determined by management . The number of slots also depends on that which is approved by management. It is not a case of “billions spent by government.” If anything, it is billions spent by NAHCON staff.
2. Staff Pay for Spouse Packages
Staff personally pay for their spouses — like a rebate which airlines give to their staff. The fee covering airfare, visa, Madinah accommodation, Masha’ir stay, and Mashair transportation. No “public billions” are being spent on this — it is wrong to mislead the public otherwise.
3. Inflated Figures
The report’s reference to ₦1.64 billion is clearly a sensational fabrication designed to attract clicks. The real number of spouse slots is much lower, and all payments are made through bank drafts or deducted from staff estacode which is properly receipted.
4. Transparency
NAHCON’s current leadership under Professor Abdullahi Saleh Usman has consistently shown a commitment to transparency and accountability. The public should not fall for half-baked narratives aimed at discrediting the Commission’s achievements during this successful 2025 Hajj operation.
5. Public Focus Should Remain on Pilgrim Welfare. Rather than stirring distractions, we should all focus on supporting NAHCON and appreciating the improvements seen this year in pilgrim accommodation, feeding, transportation and overall welfare — which are verifiable facts.
6. And if the amount quoted as estacode allowance is what staff are actually paid after spending 40-60 days working outside the country, I am not surprised why they protested for being paid only 18 days and 21 days and not their full 40 to 60 days after putting their best. NAHCON should look into paying its staff their full dues all the time.
In conclusion, as a concerned Hajj stakeholder, I urge media platforms to practice responsible journalism and verify facts before rushing to publication. NAHCON has nothing to hide — and will continue to serve the interests of Nigerian pilgrims with integrity.
Signed:
Concerned Hajj Stakeholder
