The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has summoned Malam Jalal Arabi, the Chairman of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), to its headquarters in Jabi, Abuja.
This summons comes as part of an ongoing investigation into the disbursement of N90 billion allocated for the 2024 Hajj pilgrimage.
Arabi is expected to meet with EFCC officials at 10 AM today to provide a detailed account of how the substantial sum was utilized.
The EFCC is probing into the distribution of thousands of dollars intended for Nigerian pilgrims and is particularly concerned about claims of financial mismanagement and alleged mistreatment of pilgrims during the Hajj in Saudi Arabia.
An EFCC source, speaking to Daily Trust, emphasized the impartial nature of the commission’s work, stating, “We are carrying out our legal duties impartially.
The EFCC is focused on tackling financial crimes.” This statement underlines the commission’s commitment to ensuring transparency and accountability in the handling of public funds.
Despite multiple attempts, EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale has not responded to requests for additional details on the investigation.
The issue of the N90 billion Hajj subsidy has also caught the attention of Governor Umaru Bago of Niger State.
Speaking at a press conference in Saudi Arabia, Governor Bago expressed serious concerns over the management of the funds by NAHCON.
He criticized the commission’s financial operations, calling for immediate action by the Nigerian Federal Lawmakers to investigate the alleged mismanagement.
“It’s unfortunate, and there is a need for the National Assembly to probe these funds,” Governor Bago declared.
His remarks underscore the growing concerns over transparency and efficiency within NAHCON.
The governor further announced his intention to push for legislative changes within the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, aiming to dismantle NAHCON’s operational authority and advocate for a privatised approach to managing Hajj affairs.
In response to the allegations, Malam Jalal Arabi explained that each pilgrim who paid through the government quota received N1.6 million.
This payment was necessitated by the instability of the naira and the Central Bank of Nigeria’s foreign exchange reforms, which led to insufficient initial payments.
Arabi noted that NAHCON sought federal assistance, resulting in a N90 billion intervention approved by the president to support the pilgrims.
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