By Mariam Zubair Abubakar
The Chief of Staff to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, has today paid a working visit to the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON). Accompanied by the Deputy Chief of Staff, Senator Ibrahim Hassan Hadeija, the Permanent Secretary of the State House, Engr. Adebiyi, Olusesan Olufunso, and other members of the State House management, were at the commission on a fact-finding tour which started last week. The tour, which is the first of its kind, aims to uncover problems and prooffer solutions and ways to address the problems and ensure alignment with the government’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
Upon arrival at the NAHCON headquarters, the Chief of Staff and his delegation were warmly welcomed by the Commissioner of Policy, Personnel Management, and Finance (PPMF), Prince Aliu Abdulrazaq, who is currently overseeing the affairs of the Commission. He was joined by the Commissioner for Planning, Research, Statistics, Information, and Library Services (PRSILS), Professor Abubakar A. Yagawal, and other senior management staff of the commission.
During the visit, Prince Aliyu Abdulrazaq outlined the Commission’s mandate to enhance Hajj and Umrah services for Nigerian pilgrims and highlighted several challenges faced by the Commission, including and not limited to the need for digitization of the Commission’s accounting and procedural processes.
In his remarks, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila emphasized the need for the Commission to undergo reforms in line with President Tinubu’s renewed hope agenda, stressing that all organizations should align with this agenda. The fact-finding visit, he noted, is a step towards reinforcing the Commission. He stressed that NAHCON, given its religious significance and the spiritual nature of its mission, must avoid controversies and consistently demonstrate transparency and efficiency. “This is a commission that should never be found in any controversy simply because of its mandate and what it represents,” he stated.
Mr. Gbajabiamila also urged the Commission to prioritize early preparation and efficient organization of Hajj activities, much like countries such as Indonesia and Malaysia. He reminded the Commission of the importance of treating Nigerian pilgrims as ambassadors of the country, ensuring their welfare and organization are top priorities. “You have to accept the responsibility of what goes on in Nigeria and Saudi Arabia,” he added.
Deputy Chief of Staff, Senator Ibrahim Hassan Hadeija, added that the Commission should focus on clear communication with the general public and the pilgrims, ensuring timely preparations. He also stressed the importance of proper planning to ensure a seamless pilgrimage experience.
In his remarks, Commissioner PRSILS, Professor Abubakar A. Yagawal, assured the delegation that preparations for the 2025 Hajj had already begun. He acknowledged the Chief of Staff’s concerns and pledged that the Commission would work diligently to avoid the mistakes of the past. He also expressed gratitude for the government’s continued support and commitment to improving Hajj operations.
The visit concluded with the Chief of Staff commending the NAHCON staff for their dedication and encouraging them to continue striving for excellence in their service to Nigerian pilgrims. He assured them of the government’s readiness to provide the necessary resources and policy backing to facilitate their operations and directed the Commission to formally communicate their needs to the State House.
Prior to the NAHCON visit, the Chief of Staff had visited NALDA, BPP, BPE, NASENI, NEITI, NFIC, among other agencies directly under the supervision of the State House.
This visit underscores the administration’s dedication to enhancing the pilgrimage experience for Nigerians, reflecting its broader commitment to service delivery and the welfare of its citizens.