As preparations for the 2025 Hajj season intensify, the Independent Hajj Reporters (IHR), a faith-based civil society organisation, has called on the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) and State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Boards (SMPWBs) to ensure that ad-hoc officials are appointed strictly on merit.
Through its national coordinator, Ibrahim Muhammad, the group urged Hajj administrators to adopt transparent and professional procedures in selecting officials, warning against political interference and nepotism that have marred previous exercises.
According to IHR, the deployment of unqualified and politically sponsored personnel has often resulted in poor service delivery and abandonment of responsibilities by some officials once they arrive in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
“They are often the first contingent to be flown home, effectively abandoning the very pilgrims they are supposed to assist,” they noted.
IHR stressed that, with NAHCON and state boards lacking sufficient manpower, ad hoc officials play a vital role in ensuring the welfare and success of Nigerian pilgrims during offshore operations.
Citing international best practices in countries like Malaysia, Indonesia, Bangladesh, and Pakistan, the organisation recommended an open application process, thorough screening, and enforceable agreements outlining duties, duration of stay, and penalties for non-compliance.
“We are concerned that political pressures and nepotistic considerations have polluted the credibility of the selection process. There are instances where trained staff are left behind while political candidates, who sometimes act like VIP pilgrims, are selected instead,” Muhammad stated.
The group advised that if complimentary Hajj seats must be used for political patronage, they should be separated from positions meant for service delivery to ensure that only competent hands are entrusted with supporting pilgrims.
“These developments negatively affect the quality of Hajj services rendered to Nigerian pilgrims who not only struggle to pay their fares but also pay additional service charges,” IHR concluded.
