Cleric Dismisses Allegations Of N1.64bn Spent By NAHCON On Staff, Spouses

The allegation that the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) spent over N1.64 billion on staff and spouses during the 2025 Hajj exercise is not only false but appears to be part of a deliberate campaign to discredit the commission and its leadership.

This was stated by a renowned Islamic scholar in Kano, Sheikh Doguwa Muhammad of the Ansarudeen Islam, in a statement made available to newsmen yesterday.

He described the claims, particularly those alleging that NAHCON chairman Professor Abdullahi Saleh Usman stayed in a $1,000-per-night suite at Hilton Makkah Suites and brought along 12 family members, as completely unfounded and lacking credible evidence.

“There is no evidence of abuse or unauthorised expenditure”, he stated.

“My findings as a scholar of an organisation, and based on a source within the NAHCON, who preferred anonymity, downloaded this vital information contained in this statement I signed.

“The sensational claim that the chairman lodged in a $1,000-a-night suite and brought 12 family members is entirely fabricated. NAHCON has no financial records, no receipts, no approvals substantiating this,” he added.

He said that, on the contrary, the chairman funded his spouse’s travel through the standard channels, and no family member served in any official NAHCON capacity.

He noted that even the visa for his spouse was processed independently of the commission.

He said equally misleading was the allegation that the spouses occupied accommodations meant for pilgrims or officials, adding that NAHCON has strict housing protocols monitored by designated teams, and any deviation is immediately corrected.

“To set the record straight, NAHCON’s policies do not permit the use of public funds for the travel or accommodation of staff and spouses.

“What exists is a clearly defined welfare arrangement approved by the Commission’s Board, which allows staff, many of whom are on assignment in Saudi Arabia for over a month, to voluntarily sponsor their spouses entirely at their own expense and at a skeletal rate.

“The spouse package excludes major services such as accommodation in Makkah, meals, basic travel allowance (BTA), and inter-city transportation.

“These are borne fully by the sponsoring staff, often from their personal estacodes.

“This framework is not peculiar to NAHCON. Agencies such as the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), and the Nigerian Foreign Service have similar arrangements that support staff welfare during extended foreign postings.

“NAHCON’s policy is consistent with global best practices and does not in any way constitute a misuse of public funds.

“To suggest that NAHCON staff cannot afford to sponsor their spouses is not only inaccurate but also condescending.

Participation is voluntary, and in many cases, spouses contribute significantly to their own travel expenses. There is no ethical breach in this arrangement.

“The figures quoted in the circulating reports are grossly exaggerated and based on false assumptions.

“The reports wrongly assume uniform costs and spending patterns, while ignoring the actual, limited scope of the spouse package.

“NAHCON has made it clear that only a few services, mainly visas, flight tickets, and accommodation in Masha’ir and Madina are included. Staff are aware of these exclusions and plan accordingly,” he explained.

He therefore noted that the calls for investigation by bodies such as the EFCC are welcomed, saying NAHCON has nothing to hide.

He said the commission is routinely audited by the Office of the Auditor-General of the Federation and remains fully compliant with all financial regulations.

“But such investigations must be based on facts not politically motivated falsehoods aimed at staining a legacy of integrity and efficiency,” he added.