By Ibrahim Mai nasara
A misleading narrative has recently surfaced, attempting to discredit the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Vice President Kashim Shettima, and, by extension, the Nigerian presidency. The claims revolve around the alleged cancellation of a Masha’ir service contract and insinuations of undue influence by the Vice President in the selection of service providers. However, upon closer scrutiny, these allegations appear to be misleading, politically motivated, and aimed at discrediting the ongoing reforms within Hajj operations.
The Vice President’s Role in Hajj Operations: Oversight, Not Direct Involvement
One of the core allegations in the misleading report is that Vice President Kashim Shettima personally influences the selection of contractors for Hajj services. However, an objective review of the facts proves otherwise.
As an independent regulatory body, NAHCON follows a structured and transparent process in awarding contracts. The commission’s decisions are based on merit and compliance with Saudi Hajj regulations, not political considerations. The Vice President’s role in Hajj operations is strictly administrative—he only grants approval for recommendations made by NAHCON’s board after they have been thoroughly evaluated.
Accusations that the Vice President personally selects service providers are not only misleading but also an attempt to discredit the integrity of the Hajj management process. Contracts are awarded based on established guidelines, and due diligence is exercised to ensure that only competent service providers are engaged.
The Truth Behind the Masha’ir Contract Cancellation
One of the most contentious claims in the misleading report is that NAHCON Chairman, Professor Abdullahi Saleh Usman, unilaterally cancelled the Masha’ir contract. However, this claim ignores the reality of how Hajj service contracts are regulated.
The provision of Masha’ir services—which includes accommodations and logistics for pilgrims in **Mina, Arafat, and Muzdalifah—is under the jurisdiction of Saudi authorities. NAHCON does not have the power to independently select or remove service providers in these areas; instead, all contracts must align with Saudi Arabian Hajj policies and approvals.
Any reassessment or replacement of a service provider in Masha’ir is not a matter of political interference but a compliance issue with Saudi regulatory guidelines. The suggestion that NAHCON acted arbitrarily is incorrect and misrepresents the fundamental process governing Hajj service contracts.
The Resistance Against Hajj Reforms: Who Benefits from the Smear Campaign?
The allegations against NAHCON and the Vice President appear to be driven by individuals who benefited from the corruption-ridden system of the past. For years, certain officials, middlemen, and political figures controlled Hajj operations, leading to inflated costs, mismanagement of funds, and substandard services for Nigerian pilgrims.
Since assuming leadership, Professor Abdullahi Saleh Usman has been implementing reforms aimed at eliminating these corrupt practices. These efforts have disrupted the long-standing financial benefits enjoyed by some vested interests, and the backlash is now manifesting in misinformation campaigns designed to discredit NAHCON’s leadership and the government’s oversight.
However, beyond external forces, recent findings indicate that some leaks and deliberate sabotage are coming from within NAHCON itself. Some in-house staff, accustomed to the old corrupt system, have been found to be actively working against the reform process, leaking internal documents, and spreading false narratives to stall ongoing changes. As it is no longer business as usual, those who once benefited illegally from underhand dealings within the commission are resorting to desperate measures to maintain their illicit advantages.
This in-house sabotage is not surprising, as deep-seated corruption often resists reform. Some disgruntled staff members who were part of the network that facilitated inflated contracts, bribery, and kickbacks are now actively attempting to frustrate the commission’s leadership. By leaking confidential details and twisting facts, they aim to discredit NAHCON’s efforts while creating confusion in the public domain.
Proactive Steps Taken by NAHCON for Hajj 2025
Despite these distractions, NAHCON remains focused on its core mission—ensuring a smooth and efficient pilgrimage experience for Nigerian pilgrims. The commission has made significant strides in securing early accommodations and logistics to prevent the issues faced in previous years.
• NAHCON has successfully secured Masha’ir spaces for 52,000 Nigerian pilgrims, with 26,287 spaces fully paid for and an additional 26,000 reserved ahead of the February 14 deadline set by the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah. This early action prevents last-minute uncertainties that have troubled Nigerian pilgrims in the past.
• 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, without 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.
A 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 the operational decisions of NAHCON.
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, however, 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 is committed to accountability, putting the interests of Nigerian pilgrims above political considerations.
As the 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 it 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.