NAHCON Clarifies 2025 Hajj Staff Selection Process, Denies Allegations of Racketeering
By Alabidun Shuaib AbdulRahman
The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria, NAHCON, has made a clarification on the selection process for ad hoc staff for the 2025 Hajj operations, dispelling allegations of racketeering, nepotism, and procedural breaches.
In a statement titled “REJOINDER: Setting the Record Straight on NAHCON’S 2025 Hajj Staff Selection Process” obtained by INCNews247, Shafii Sani Mohammed, NAHCON’s Principal Information Officer emphasized the Commission’s commitment to transparency and fairness in its operations.
According to Mohammed, the selection process for the National Medical Team (NMT) is being coordinated by a Steering Committee comprising experienced medical professionals outside NAHCON.
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The Committee, inaugurated by NAHCON Chairman/CEO Professor Abdullahi Saleh Usman, is headed by Professor Abubakar Yagawal, Commissioner for Planning Research, Statistics, Information, and Library Services (PRSILS).
The Commission explained that the selection process involved a rigorous screening of applicants based on professional qualifications, past participation records, willingness to participate on a voluntary basis, physical fitness, and availability during the Hajj period.
Mohammed noted that out of the numerous applications received, only 8,452 were deemed appropriately completed and considered for selection.
NAHCON further clarified that staff deployment for offshore operations was based on a variety of factors, including office attendance, role relevance, past performance, disciplinary records, and operational needs, saying “A committee led by the Director of Administration, which included a representative from the Staff Union, worked on the selection of operational staff, ensuring impartiality and secrecy”.
All selections, according to Mohammed, underwent a thorough vetting process coordinated with departmental heads.
“In exceptional cases, competence and availability were prioritized to ensure the smooth execution of duties. Some staff members might not have been selected due to disciplinary actions, health issues, pregnancy-related concerns for female staff, absenteeism, or votes of no confidence from supervising officers,” he said.
Regarding the timeline for the Advance Team’s travel, Mohammed assured that the scheduled departure date of May 5 is a strategic decision aimed at enhancing operational efficiency.
The Commission, he emphasized, is committed to strengthening its internal mechanisms to guarantee fairness and transparency in all its operations.
Mohammed therefore urged the public, stakeholders, and the media to seek clarification through official channels and avoid spreading unverified allegations that could undermine the credibility of the Commission.
He reiterated NAHCON’s commitment to its mandate, stating, “The 2025 Hajj operation is on course, and NAHCON will not be distracted from its duty to serve Nigerian pilgrims with excellence, integrity, and fear of Allah.”
