The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has said that the report of an adhoc Senate panel contains several findings that are based on wrong information and wrong conclusions.
The adhoc panel, constituted to probe allegations of irregularities in NAHCON’s onshore and offshore operations, said it uncovered “monumental fraud” in the commission.
The panel, headed by Sen Adamu Aliero (APC, Kebbi), asked the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to investigate NAHCON’s activities from 2015 to date.
But NAHCON, in its reaction, refuted all the allegations, saying the 34-page report was not fair to the commission as none of its explanations during the committee’s public hearing on January 17, 2018 were featured or considered in the report.
The NAHCON report, sent to the Senate, was signed by M. Ahmed, the Acting Secretary to the Commission.
According to the report, the claims that “NAHCON does not have procurement planning committee, plan or officers; That NAHCON issues dud cheques; That it rented houses in Makkah that are 5 to 10 km from the Haram; That certain countries pulled out from Saudi policy on traffic sharing; That NAHCON gives preferences to a company owned by a Nigerien; That NAHCON doubled transportation charge in Saudi Arabia from SR180 to SR360 and others too numerous to cite here are incorrect or misinformed assertions that can’t be proved or substantiated.”
It said the failure of the Senate committee to meet Saudi Government Organizations that matter during its fact-finding mission to the Kingdom, made the findings inconclusive and completely unfair to NAHCON.
The commission dismissed the claims that it is violating the procurement law, saying all its procurement processes followed due processes.
It said the increase in hajj fares, which it said prompted the investigation, was due to the increase in NGN – USD exchange rates.
On Refundable Deposits, NAHCON said all tent security and similar deposits not utilized are refunded to pilgrims annually.
“The Commission in March 2016, refunded the sum of N1.75billion to Pilgrims Boards of the 36 States of the country and the FCT for onward refund to pilgrims. Similarly, it refunded the sum of N526million in 2017.”
On alleged hidden charges, the report said it is shocking that, this allegation is being made, despite evidence tendered before the Adhoc Committee, and other Committees that have investigated the Commission.
It said Hajj Development Levy funds are yet to be spent and are domiciled in the Central Bank of Nigeria which the Committee has actually verified.
The commission acknowledged that it mandated its accommodation providers in Medina to rent out the hotels when not in use but the amounts realized were transparently reported to the Government.
NAHCON also refuted claims that it underpaid rent realised from hotels. “The claim that only N5million was paid as against over N1billion is a callous and reckless claim by the Committee.”
“The Claim that the present Chairman edged out Nigerian companies providing accommodation in Makkah for selfish reasons is a proof of the personal vendetta pursued by those that lost out due to NAHCON’s reforms,” the report said.
On logistics, NAHCON said it does not fix transportation charges in Saudi Arabia. It was fixed by the Saudi Government through its General Car Syndicate.
The report therefore appealed to the leadership of the Nigerian Senate to consider its submission while deliberating on the Adhoc Committee’s report.
“All we appeal for is fairness to all concerned as the report in its totality is unfair to the Commission, State Pilgrims Welfare Boards/Commissions/Agencies, Tour Operators, NCAA, the CBN, Saudi Government and its Agencies, Service Providers and the Nigerian Consulate in Jeddah,” it added.
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