The Chairman of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Professor Saleh Usman, has urged non-executive board members to work together as a team to ensure the success of their mandate.
This call comes against the backdrop of a petition filed against him by some non-executive board members.
In a statement personally signed by Professor Usman, he denied allegations of crippling the commission and clarified that each board member receives their entitlements according to the rules of office.
He emphasized the need to clear the air on these allegations, which include claims of non-inclusion in procurement activities, non-payment of allowances, and limited access to his office.
Professor Usman explained that non-executive board members have no specific role in procurement activities as per the NAHCON Act.
He cited Rule 2 of the Act, which stipulates the status and functions of board members, with the chairman and three full members serving on a full-time basis and the remaining six members serving part-time.
Addressing specific claims, Professor Usman noted that two non-executive members, Haj Aisha Obi and Alh Abba Jato, participated in the commission’s pre-Hajj visit to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and were fully paid their allowances.
He also mentioned that other non-executive members, Dr. Tajuddeen Agbafe and Sheykh Muhammad Bin Usman, were nominated for the Ramadan Umrah Monitoring exercise and received their entitlements.
On the claim of non-executive members not receiving official vehicles, Professor Usman stated that there is no provision in the NAHCON Act or any other approval that supports this claim. He also denied allegations of restricting access to his office, saying he operates an open-door policy for all staff, stakeholders, and visitors.
Regarding the payment of allowances, Professor Usman assured that all board members receive their entitlements, including sitting allowances, travel allowances, and estacode allowances. He expressed disappointment that some non-executive members did not report any alleged oversight to him directly.
Professor Usman called on all board members, staff, and stakeholders to unite and work together to ensure a successful and hitch-free 2025 Hajj operation.
He commended President Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima for their support and assured them that the 2025 Hajj pilgrimage would be one of the best the country has seen.