By Bilal Umar
A misleading narrative has emerged attempting to discredit the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Vice President Kashim Shettima, and the Presidency. These claims center on the alleged cancellation of a Masha’ir service contract and insinuations of undue influence by the Vice President in contractor selection. However, a closer look reveals that these allegations are misleading, politically motivated, and aimed at undermining ongoing Hajj reforms.
The Vice President’s role: Oversight, not direct involvement
Contrary to claims that Vice President Shettima personally selects Hajj service providers, his role is strictly administrative, limited to granting approvals for NAHCON’s board-vetted recommendations.
As an independent regulatory body, NAHCON follows a structured and transparent contract award process, ensuring decisions are based on merit and compliance with Saudi Hajj regulations. Service providers are selected through due process, not political influence.
Any suggestion that the Vice President interferes in contract selection is false and aimed at discrediting the integrity of Hajj management.
The truth about the Masha’ir contract
Another false claim is that NAHCON Chairman, Professor Abdullahi Saleh Usman, unilaterally canceled the Masha’ir contract. In reality, the Masha’ir service, which covers accommodation and logistics for pilgrims in Mina, Arafat, and Muzdalifah, is regulated by Saudi authorities.
NAHCON does not have the power to independently select or remove service providers in these areas; all contracts must align with Saudi Hajj policies and approvals. Any reassessment of a service provider is a compliance measure, not political interference.
Allegations that NAHCON acted arbitrarily misrepresent the facts and the international regulations governing Hajj service contracts.
Who benefits from the smear campaign?
The attacks on NAHCON and the Vice President appear to be fueled by individuals who profited from past corruption in Hajj operations.
For years, middlemen and officials manipulated contracts, leading to inflated costs, mismanaged funds, and substandard services. Since taking office, Professor Usman has disrupted these corrupt networks, triggering resistance from vested interests.
Internal sabotage:Corruption fighting back
Some disgruntled NAHCON staff with ties to past corrupt practices are leaking documents and spreading falsehoods to undermine reforms. Their goal is to restore the old system of inflated contracts, bribery, and kickbacks.
The resistance is expected, as reforms challenge entrenched interests. However, NAHCON remains focused on its mission to ensure a transparent, efficient, and affordable pilgrimage for Nigerians.
Proactive steps for Hajj 2025
Despite distractions, NAHCON has made significant progress in securing early accommodations and logistics for Nigerian pilgrims. The commission has secured Masha’ir spaces for 52,000 pilgrims, with 26,287 spaces fully paid for and an additional 26,000 reserved ahead of Saudi Arabia’s February 14 deadline.
The finalization of the Masha’ir contract was not a unilateral decision but followed extensive consultations involving the Forum of State Chairmen, NAHCON board members, and a representative of the presidency, Malam Ameen Amshi, who played an active role in the screening and selection process.
On January 17, 2025, the formal signing of the Masha’ir contract took place at NAHCON’s Ummul Judd office in Makkah. This was a deliberate step to ensure Nigerian pilgrims receive the best services, free from the irregularities that characterized past contracts.
To further ensure a seamless Hajj process, Professor Usman sought approval from Vice President Shettima to travel to Makkah to finalize the contract. This step was essential in meeting Saudi regulatory requirements ahead of the visa processing period, which is set to begin on February 19, 2025.
Professor Usman has publicly acknowledged the Vice President’s role in facilitating swift and transparent approvals without interference, allowing NAHCON to take proactive steps to secure services for Nigerian pilgrims.
Commitment to transparency and Pilgrims’ welfare
The Nigerian government and NAHCON leadership have consistently emphasized their commitment to ensuring transparency, affordability, and efficiency in Hajj operations. The Vice President’s role remains strictly administrative, with no interference in NAHCON’s operational decisions.
While past administrations struggled with overpriced contracts and complaints of poor service delivery, the current leadership has been working to clean up the system. These efforts threaten the interests of those who benefited from corrupt arrangements, and it is no surprise that misinformation is being used as a tool to regain control.
The ultimate priority remains the welfare of Nigerian pilgrims. Every reform implemented in the Hajj process is geared towards ensuring a smooth, transparent, and spiritually rewarding experience.
Why Nigerian Pilgrims should ignore misinformation
The allegations against NAHCON and the Vice President are part of a broader strategy by disgruntled elements to regain influence over Hajj operations. Nigerian pilgrims should be assured that reforms are in place to ensure fair pricing and quality service delivery.
Contracts are awarded transparently, with strict adherence to Saudi Hajj regulations. The Vice President does not interfere in contract decisions but ensures due process is followed. NAHCON remains committed to accountability, putting the interests of Nigerian pilgrims above political considerations.
As preparations for Hajj 2025 continue, it is crucial for the public to seek information from official sources rather than be swayed by politically motivated falsehoods. The administration of Hajj is a sacred responsibility and should not be used as a tool for misinformation and political manipulation.
The priority remains ensuring that Nigerian pilgrims receive the best services possible, free from the inefficiencies and corrupt practices of the past.
Bilal Umar writes from Abuja
