By: Ibrahim Abubakar, Nagarta
The Association of Hajj Media Support Professionals (AHMSP), a civil organization dedicated in monitoring and reporting events and happenings as they unfold in the Nigerian hajj ecosystem is unambiguously and univocally throwing its weight and support behind the clarion call being made by some concerned Nigerians and notable organizations like the Independent Hajj Reporters(IHR) and the Association of Hajj Media Support Professionals(AHMSP), or rather being repeated after the earlier and repetitive calls made by the incumbent NAHCON boss, in person of Professor Abdullahi Saleh Usman (Pakistan), just few months after he was appointed as the chairman of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria, by his Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in October, 2024.
The recent calls by other well meaning Nigerians on the same issue is a clear vindication of the chairman’s good intent for Nigerian pilgrims.
Kudos and hats off, to Professor Saleh Pakistan, who actually pioneered this all-important call to CBN to shelve and relinquish the 2% levy charged on hajj intending pilgrims which has been going for years now.
The NAHCON boss, had held several meetings with top officials of the Apex bank and has also reached out to some highly influential Nigerians for their intervention in order to drive home this crucial demand. He had sleepless nights, all in the quest to repositioning hajj management for better in Nigeria, yet some self-centered bigots were actively engaged in baseless criticisms and allegations against his good image and reputation!
However, the struggle is not yet over as the CBN is yet to succumb to
Plea in order to grant the request for the waiver of the 2 % levy. Therefore, all hands must be on deck by all stakeholders to support Professor Abdullahi Saleh Usman, in this noble cause until victory is achieved.
It ought to be taken into cognizance that, the Nigerian pilgrims pray fervently for the continued unity and overall socio-economic growth of Nigeria, while in the holy land, this gesture is far above any material gain, as such relinquishing the 2% levy could be equated to a monumental service to the nation.
Indeed, the NAHCON boss and his supportive commissioners and other management staffers are living up to the expectations of Nigerian populace particularly the Muslim ummah, given the huge reduction secured for 2026 intending pilgrims from various service providers ranging from accommodation, catering and transportation and Masha’ir, amounting to over N19 billion during their recent Pre-hajj visit, in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. This effort is in concordance with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s renewed hope agenda.
Furthermore, The independent hajj reporters deserve commendation for supporting a just cause that will bring succour in the entire Nigerian hajj industry and the Muslim ummah at large, hoping the spirit of patrotism exhibited by the CSO would be maintained persistently.
Finally, the association of hajj media support professionals (AHMSP) is extending its heartfelt and earnest support to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his Vice Kashim Shettima for their unwavering confidence and trust in professor Abdullahi Saleh Usman’s stewardship in the National hajj commission of Nigeria!