By Bilal Umar
A misleading narrative has surfaced, attempting to discredit the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Vice President Kashim Shettima, and the Presidency. These allegations centred around the purported cancellation of a Masha’ir service contract and claims of undue influence by the Vice President in contractor selection, are misleading and politically motivated, aimed at undermining ongoing Hajj reforms.
Vice President Shettima’s Role: Oversight, Not Direct Involvement
Contrary to claims that Vice President Shettima personally selects Hajj service providers, his role is strictly administrative, limited to granting approvals for NAHCON’s board-vetted recommendations.
As an independent regulatory body, NAHCON follows a structured and transparent contract award process, ensuring that selections are based on merit and compliance with Saudi Hajj regulations. The suggestion that the Vice President interferes in contract decisions is false and aimed at discrediting the integrity of Hajj management.
Clarifying the Masha’ir Contract
Another false claim is that NAHCON Chairman, Professor Abdullahi Saleh Usman, unilaterally cancelled the Masha’ir contract. In reality, the Masha’ir service, which includes accommodation and logistics for pilgrims in Mina, Arafat, and Muzdalifah, falls under Saudi authorities’ jurisdiction.
NAHCON does not have the power to independently select or remove service providers in these areas; all contracts must align with Saudi Hajj policies and approvals. Any reassessment of a service provider is a compliance measure, not political interference. The claim that NAHCON acted arbitrarily misrepresents the facts and disregards the international regulations governing Hajj service contracts.
The Hidden Agenda Behind the Smear Campaign
The attacks on NAHCON and the Vice President appear to be driven by individuals who profited from past corruption in Hajj operations. For years, middlemen and officials manipulated contracts, leading to inflated costs, mismanaged funds, and substandard services. Since assuming office, Professor Usman has disrupted these corrupt networks, triggering resistance from vested interests.
Internal Resistance: Corruption Fighting Back
Some disgruntled NAHCON staff with ties to past corrupt practices have been leaking documents and spreading misinformation to undermine reforms. Their objective is to restore the old system of inflated contracts, bribery, and kickbacks.
While resistance is expected, NAHCON remains committed to its mission of ensuring a transparent, efficient, and affordable pilgrimage for Nigerians.
Proactive Steps for Hajj 2025
Despite ongoing distractions, NAHCON has made significant progress in securing early accommodations and logistics for Nigerian pilgrims. The commission has secured Masha’ir spaces for 52,000 pilgrims, with 26,287 spaces fully paid for and an additional 26,000 reserved ahead of Saudi Arabia’s February 14 deadline.
The finalization of the Masha’ir contract 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 deliberate step ensures Nigerian pilgrims receive top-tier services, free from past irregularities.
To further streamline the Hajj process, Professor Usman sought approval from Vice President Shettima to travel to Makkah to finalize the contract. This move was essential in meeting Saudi regulatory requirements ahead of the visa processing period, which begins on February 19, 2025.
Professor Usman has publicly acknowledged the Vice President’s role in facilitating swift and transparent approvals without interference, enabling NAHCON to take proactive steps in securing services for Nigerian pilgrims.
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 NAHCON’s operational decisions.
While past administrations struggled with overpriced contracts and complaints of poor service delivery, the current leadership is working to clean up the system. These efforts threaten the interests of those who benefited from corrupt arrangements, making misinformation a tool to regain control.
The ultimate priority remains the welfare of Nigerian pilgrims. Every reform implemented in the Hajj process is designed to ensure a smooth, transparent, and spiritually rewarding experience.
Why Nigerian Pilgrims Should Disregard Misinformation
The allegations against NAHCON and the Vice President are part of a broader strategy by disgruntled elements seeking to regain influence over Hajj operations. Nigerian pilgrims should be assured that reforms are in place to guarantee 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 remains committed to accountability, prioritizing the interests of Nigerian pilgrims over political considerations.
As preparations for Hajj 2025 continue, the public must rely on information from official sources rather than politically motivated falsehoods. The administration of Hajj is a sacred responsibility and should not be weaponized 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.
Bilal Umar Writes from Abuja
