Independent Hajj Reporters (ihr), a faith-based non-profit organisation that reports on and advocates for improved Hajj policies, has called for clear-cut functions and terms of reference for Amirul Hajj and federal government delegations to ensure a smooth and effective Hajj operation in the country.
The group, while acknowledging the government’s responsibility in appointing Amirul Hajj teams and official delegations, came at the right, stressed the need for these appointments to be accompanied by unambiguous roles and responsibilities, particularly in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, where Hajj rites are performed.
In a statement issued to journalists in Abuja yesterday by its National Coordinator, Ibrahim Muhammed, the organisation noted that while Amirul Hajj teams and government delegations serve as symbolic representatives of the government, their roles should not interfere with the operational plans of the States’ Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Boards and the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON).
Muhammd said the call became necessary following past experiences in which some state-appointed Amirul Hajj teams, originally meant to serve as ad-hoc support committees, assumed powers beyond their mandate, leading to confusion and disruption of Hajj operations.
CSO further acknowledged the fatherly roles and value that Amirul Hajj teams bring to Hajj operations, but such positive impacts are rare,” he said.
The statement read in parts. “There have been instances where Amirul Hajj or state-appointed delegations hijacked operational responsibilities from the Pilgrims Welfare Board officials, dictating who should do what and how. This kind of interference undermines the structure and creates operational setbacks.”
The group emphasised that Hajj is a unique religious exercise, particularly in its operational aspects, which are guided by a set of rules and procedures established by the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah. As the apex regulatory body, NAHCON is recognised by the Saudi authorities and is mandated to implement Nigeria’s Hajj plans.
“Allowing individuals unfamiliar with Hajj policies to control critical aspects of operations is a recipe for failure and confusion,” the group warned.
The group, however, said that unlike other countries, the Nigerian Amirul Hajj teams and government delegations rarely participate in on-ground operations such as guiding pilgrims in Makkah or Mina, assisting the Taraddudiyyah Committee in dispatching pilgrims to the Mashair or airports, overseeing food distribution in accommodations, or checking on pilgrims’ welfare—areas where additional support is often needed.
„In conclusion, the group urged State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Boards to cooperate with duly appointed Amirul Hajj teams and government delegations to ensure Nigerian pilgrims‘ welfare while in Saudi Arabia.“
