Recent allegations claiming that the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) spent over N1.64 billion on staff spouses during the 2025 Hajj exercise are not only false but appear to be part of a deliberate campaign to discredit the Commission and its leadership. The claims—particularly those alleging that NAHCON Chairman, Professor Abdullahi Saleh Usman, stayed in a $1,000-per-night suite at Hilton Makkah Suites and brought along 12 family members—are completely unfounded and lack any credible evidence.
To set the record straight, NAHCON’s policies do not permit the use of public funds for the travel or accommodation of staff spouses. What exists is a clearly defined welfare arrangement approved by the Commission’s Board, which allows staff—many of whom are on assignment in Saudi Arabia for over a month—to voluntarily sponsor their spouses entirely at their own expense and at a skeletal rate. The spouse package excludes major services such as accommodation in Makkah, meals, basic travel allowance (BTA), and inter-city transportation. These are borne fully by the sponsoring staff, often from their personal estacodes.
This framework is not peculiar to NAHCON. Agencies such as the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), and the Nigerian Foreign Service have similar arrangements that support staff welfare during extended foreign postings. NAHCON’s policy is consistent with global best practices and does not in any way constitute a misuse of public funds.
To suggest that NAHCON staff cannot afford to sponsor their spouses is not only inaccurate but also condescending. Participation is voluntary, and in many cases, spouses contribute significantly to their own travel expenses. There is no ethical breach in this arrangement.
The figures quoted in the circulating reports are grossly exaggerated and based on false assumptions. The reports wrongly assume uniform costs and spending patterns, while ignoring the actual, limited scope of the spouse package. NAHCON has made it clear that only a few services—mainly visas, flight tickets, and accommodation in Masha’ir and Madinah—are included. Staff are aware of these exclusions and plan accordingly.
The sensational claim that the Chairman lodged in a $1,000-a-night suite and brought 12 family members is entirely fabricated. NAHCON has no financial records—no receipts, no approvals—substantiating this. On the contrary, the Chairman personally funded his spouse’s travel through the standard channels, and no family member served in any official NAHCON capacity. Even the visa for his spouse was processed independently of the Commission.
Equally misleading is the allegation that spouses occupied accommodations meant for pilgrims or officials. NAHCON has strict housing protocols monitored by designated teams, and any deviation is immediately corrected. There is no evidence of abuse or unauthorized expenditure.
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Calls for investigation by bodies such as the EFCC are welcomed—NAHCON has nothing to hide. The Commission is routinely audited by the Office of the Auditor-General of the Federation and remains fully compliant with all financial regulations. But such investigations must be based on facts—not politically motivated falsehoods aimed at staining a legacy of integrity and efficiency.
What is truly disheartening is that after organizing what has widely been regarded as the most successful Hajj operation in nearly 15 years—one marked by praise rather than complaints—some are bent on tarnishing NAHCON’s image. Is it because the Commission is no longer operating under the old order of business as usual? Is it because the Chairman cannot be compromised? Or is it because he is an Islamic scholar and respected Sheikh, and there are those who feel threatened by his moral authority and upright leadership?
Whatever the reason, time will reveal the truth. NAHCON remains committed to transparency, accountability, and service to the Nigerian Muslim community. And those who seek to discredit it for selfish or political reasons will, in the end, be put to shame.
(DT)