Rita Odafe
EFCC Calls in NAHCON Chair for Inquiry into ₦90 Billion Subsidy for 2024 Hajj
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has summoned Mallam Jalal Arabi, the Chairman of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), to investigate the utilization of funds allocated for the subsidy of the 2024 Hajj.
Arabi has been requested to appear at the EFCC headquarters in Abuja to provide a detailed account of the ₦90 billion subsidy earmarked for the 2024 Hajj exercise.
Sources within the EFCC revealed that Arabi will clarify the distribution of funds allocated to NAHCON for the benefit of pilgrims amidst allegations of mistreatment during the 2024 Hajj in Saudi Arabia.
The anti-graft agency aims to delve into petitions filed against Arabi and the commission, seeking transparency in financial transactions to combat fraudulent activities.
The EFCC spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, confirmed the invitation but has yet to release further details on the investigation.
At a press briefing, Arabi disclosed that due to the unstable naira, pilgrims received financial support of ₦1.6 million for the 2024 Hajj, necessitated by the currency depreciation.
Following a plea for a concessionary exchange rate of ₦850/$1 for pilgrims, the federal government intervened with a ₦90 billion fund utilized by NAHCON to aid pilgrims.
Meanwhile, Governor Mohammed Umar Bago of Niger State has advocated for the dissolution of NAHCON, citing shortcomings in handling the 2024 Hajj, specifically the limited space for Tent A pilgrims.
