EFCC Investigates NAHCON Chair on N90bn Hajj Subsidy

NAHCON chairman faces EFCC scrutiny over the N90bn Hajj subsidy. Stay informed on the developments of this high-profile investigation.

Malam Jalal Arabi, the Chairman of Nigeria’s National Hajj Commission (NAHCON), has been summoned to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) headquarters located in Abuja.

At 10:00 am today, Arabi has been arranged to rendezvous with EFCC investigators and at the scheduled meet-up recount how the commission made use of the N90 billion subsidy assigned for the Hajj exercise in 2024.

According to insiders at the EFCC, Arabi is required to furnish a comprehensive breakdown of how NAHCON dispensed the funds amongst Hajj participants.

The investigation was launched following several complaints lodged against alleged misappropriation and mistreatment of pilgrims during 2024’s pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia.

A representative from EFCC stressed that the organization is dedicated to impartially combating financial crimes.

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They stated, “In EFCC, religion and ethnicity are not a concern for us. Our priority is putting an end to fraudulent activities in our society.”

Dele Oyewale, the EFCC spokesman, said that he would authenticate and answer to the invitation’s specificities in due course when approached for a comment. However, up until this report’s timing, he had not fulfilled his statement yet.

Arabi reported during a press briefing on Monday that pilgrims who paid through the government quota were offered N1.6 million each to alleviate financial losses due to unstable naira rates.

In response, the commission sought help from the Nigerian administration after previous payments proved insufficient following reforms imposed by Central Bank of Nigeria regarding foreign exchange policies.

Instead of providing favorable exchange rates, President sanctioned an intervention worth N90 billion for supporting those embarking on pilgrimage ventures.

Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago from Niger State has criticized the management of the 2024 Hajj and urged for NAHCON to be dissolved.

Bago’s critique is focused on the insufficient facilities offered to Tent A travelers, among whom were various state governors and Abbas Tajudeen- the Speaker of House Representatives.