The Vice President (North Central Zone) of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Ambassador Akoshile Mukhtar, has passed a vote of confidence on the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON).
Ambassador Mukhtar, who is also the West Africa Coordinator of the Afro-Arab Youth Council, made the call for support in light of recent discourse about the performance of the Commission during the 2024 Hajj pilgrimage.
Emphasizing NAHCON’s history of excellence and commitment in the midst of persisting systemic challenges, the Council said constructive engagement would better protect the interest of the Muslim community.
In a press statement made available to LEADERSHIP the Council said it is important to acknowledge the tireless efforts and significant strides NAHCON has made over the years in organizing and coordinating the Hajj pilgrimage for Nigerian Muslims.
“The Commission has consistently worked to improve its processes and services, despite the challenges and complexities inherent in such a large-scale operation.
“NAHCON’s dedication to its mandate is evident in its comprehensive approach to licensing, regulating, and supervising Hajj operations. It has established a robust framework for coordinating with relevant governmental authorities and ensuring the provision of essential services such as accommodation, transportation, and healthcare for our pilgrims. These efforts have markedly improved the Hajj experience for countless Nigerians, even in the face of occasional setbacks.
“It is important to remind our fellow Nigerians that NAHCON is not infallible and that each Hajj operation presents unique challenges. However, the Commission has shown a commitment to learning from past experiences and making necessary adjustments to enhance future pilgrimages. Scrapping NAHCON, as some have suggested, would not only disrupt this progress but could also lead to chaos in the management of pilgrim affairs.
“Moreover, eliminating NAHCON could open the door for unscrupulous individuals to exploit the situation, potentially engaging in criminal activities under the guise of organizing Hajj and Umrah. This would tarnish Nigeria’s reputation with Saudi authorities and undermine the safety and well-being of our pilgrims.
“As Nigerians, it is our collective responsibility to hold NAHCON accountable to its mandate. Constructive criticism and active engagement with the Commission are essential in driving further improvements. Let us support NAHCON in addressing the challenges and ensuring that future Hajj operations are conducted with the highest standards of efficiency and care.
“I urge all stakeholders within the Hajj ecosystem to collaborate and support NAHCON in its continuous efforts to serve the Nigerian Muslim community effectively. Together, we can ensure that the spiritual journey of our pilgrims remains a source of pride and fulfillment for our nation,” the statement said.
