EFCC summons NAHCON boss for explanation over N90bn Hajj subsidy

Malam Jalal Arabi, Chairman of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), has been called to appear at the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) Abuja headquarters for questioning.

Arabi is expected to provide insight into NAHCON’s use of the N90 billion Hajj subsidy during a 10:00 am meeting with EFCC investigators today.

Sources familiar with the EFCC’s investigation have confirmed that Arabi’s meeting will delve into the specifics of fund allocation to pilgrims, in response to widespread complaints of financial mismanagement and pilgrim maltreatment during the 2024 Hajj in Saudi Arabia.

An EFCC insider emphasized the agency’s commitment to addressing financial crimes impartially, stating, “In the EFCC, nothing concerns us with religion or tribe. What is important for us is to tame financial crimes and other fraudulent activities in our society.”

When reached for comment, EFCC spokesman Dele Oyewale stated that he would verify the details of the invitation and respond accordingly, though he had not done so by the time of this report.

In a press briefing on Monday, Arabi explained that each pilgrim who paid through the government quota received N1.6 million in support due to the naira’s instability. He noted that the commission had sought government assistance after the Central Bank of Nigeria’s foreign exchange reforms made previous payments inadequate. Instead of a concessionary exchange rate, the president approved a N90 billion intervention to assist the pilgrims.

Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago of Niger State has expressed strong disapproval of NAHCON’s performance during the 2024 Hajj, calling for the commission to be disbanded in light of its mismanagement.

Governor Bago’s disapproval focuses on the substandard lodging arrangements for Tent A pilgrims, a group that comprised several state governors and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen.