By Shafii Sani Mohammed
The attention of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has been drawn to a publication alleging racketeering, nepotism, and procedural breaches in the selection of ad hoc staff for the 2025 Hajj operations.
In the interest of clarity and public trust, the Commission finds it necessary to set the record straight.
The ongoing selection process for the National Medical Team (NMT) is being overseen by a Steering Committee composed primarily of seasoned professionals from outside the Commission. The Committee was inaugurated by the Chairman/CEO, Professor Abdullahi Saleh Usman, and is chaired by NAHCON’s Commissioner for Planning, Research, Statistics, Information, and Library Services (PRSILS), Professor Abubakar Yagawal. These professionals, alongside designated NAHCON officials, are responsible for spooling and selecting applicants strictly based on established criteria.
Of the applications received through the Medical Team Application Portal, only 8,452 were appropriately completed. All applicants underwent a rigorous screening process based on their professional qualifications, previous participation (excluding those who served in the past three years), willingness to volunteer, physical fitness, and availability for the Hajj period.
For offshore staff deployment, selections were based on multiple factors, including attendance, job relevance, performance history, disciplinary record, and operational necessity—not merely on seniority or years of service.
A committee led by the Director of Administration, and including a representative from the Staff Union, was constituted to handle this process. All members undertook an oath of impartiality and confidentiality, and consulted Heads of Units to ensure a transparent and balanced selection.
Staff not included in this year’s list may have been excluded due to disciplinary actions, medical conditions, pregnancy (in the case of female staff), absenteeism, a vote of no confidence by a supervising officer, or budgetary constraints.
It is important to emphasize that every selection—whether for junior or management staff—was subjected to a departmental vetting process. In a few cases, competence and availability were prioritized to ensure operational success.
Regarding the Advance Team’s travel timeline, NAHCON remains on schedule. The team’s departure on May 5—four days ahead of the inaugural flight—is a strategic decision aimed at enhancing operational efficiency.
Under the leadership of Professor Abdullahi Saleh Usman, the Commission continues to strengthen internal mechanisms to ensure that no staff member is unjustly excluded or unfairly treated. Staff welfare and the smooth execution of the Hajj operations remain top priorities.
In conclusion, NAHCON urges the public, stakeholders, and media to verify information through official channels rather than amplifying anonymous and unverified claims that could undermine the Commission’s credibility and cause undue concern among pilgrims.
The 2025 Hajj operation is fully on course, and NAHCON remains committed to its mandate of serving Nigerian pilgrims with excellence, integrity, and fear of Allah.
Shafii Sani Mohammed writes from NAHCON.
