The Home of Representatives not too long ago arrange a Committee to research the Nationwide Hajj Committee of Nigeria (NAHCON). At this time, I share a number of the factors I made throughout my submission on the Public Listening to. Get pleasure from
Introduction
This presentation addresses the operational inefficiencies and challenges confronted by the Nationwide Hajj Fee of Nigeria (NAHCON) and its designated service supplier, Ithraa Al Khair, in the course of the Hajj 2024 season. This 12 months’s pilgrimage has delivered to gentle vital gaps in service provision, exacerbated by earlier years’ experiences, culminating in a urgent want for complete reform throughout the construction of Hajj operations administered by NAHCON.
Travellers’ expertise throughout Hajj is vital; the pilgrimage administration should contain certified people who totally perceive the complexities of Hajj operations. The appointment of personnel to the Hajj Fee should prioritise experience over familial or political connections to make sure professionalism and effectivity.
The 2024 Hajj season was marked by vital challenges stemming from the administration of lodging for Nigerian pilgrims, significantly in regards to the operations of the Nationwide Hajj Fee of Nigeria (NAHCON) and their chosen service supplier, Ithraa Al Khair. Elementary adjustments within the Hajj course of, notably eliminating improve choices for A Tent lodging, had profound implications that many pilgrims and Non-public Tour Operators (PTOs) had been unprepared for.
Background
The connection between PTOs and Mal Jalal, former Chairman of NAHCON, was skilled however strained, primarily resulting from earlier experiences with insufficient service from their appointed Mu’assasah, Ithraa Al Khair. PTOs had been vocal about their dissatisfaction and sought Mal Jalal’s help to safe higher service choices. Inspired by his assurances that they may search improved service suppliers, PTOs engaged with completely different firms as potential options for Hajj providers.
The build-up to Hajj 2024
Because the discussions advanced, PTOs felt a renewed hope for higher preparations. Nevertheless, in January 2024, a doc from NAHCON said there could be no change in service provisions, alluding that Ithraa Al Khair would stay the designated supplier regardless of widespread concern amongst operators. This choice by NAHCON sparked discontent, particularly after a gathering on January 26, 2024, the place PTOs had been pressured to simply accept preparations with Ithraa Al Khair, elevating fears of coercion.
Deterioration in Service High quality
The next elimination of versatile lodging within the Mashaa’ir resulted in lots of pilgrims being assigned to much less beneficial D Tents, which wanted extra facilities and luxury. NAHCON had initially promised rooming flexibility, however resulting from issues within the e-Hajj Portal, pilgrims had been left with no choices however to simply accept the preparations dictated by the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah.
Because the deadline for visa processing approached, PTOs confronted growing stress to difficulty visas to their pilgrims. The uncertainty surrounding tent assignments led to a chaotic scenario that considerably affected the Hajj expertise. The swift strategy of the visa deadline compelled PTOs to behave with out readability on the lodging preparations, resulting in a mismatch between what pilgrims paid for and what they acquired.
The Complication of Tent Assignments
Working with Ithraa Al Khair, my firm was tasked with making a rooming record for eight particular tents supposed to accommodate a choose group of 192 pilgrims who every paid exorbitantly excessive charges (SAR 20,000 per head). The planning course of was marked by exhaustion and excessive stress, the place steady adjustments had been made primarily based on calls for from each NAHCON and state officers. Because of this, the operational efforts to accommodate pilgrims turned more and more strained.
With the chaos on the A Tents, many pilgrims who had paid for A Tent lodging ended up in D Tents resulting from Ithraa Al Khair’s limitations and mismanagement. This overcrowding resulted in insufficient amenities for all who had been positioned there.
Arafah as a Silver Lining
The Day of Arafah contrasted the earlier chaos, with Ithraa Al Khair offering passable circumstances for the group of pilgrims assigned to a well-furnished one-storey constructing with central cooling and correct facilities. Suggestions throughout this era was largely optimistic, providing a much-needed respite in an in any other case tumultuous Hajj expertise.
Within the aftermath of those occasions, it turned clear that no future management of NAHCON might succeed if Ithraa Al Khair remained the service supplier. Their steady poor efficiency and avoidance of accountability indicated a deeper systemic difficulty throughout the Hajj service framework. Regardless of their monitor file, Ithraa Al Khair has prevented repercussions, demonstrating that NAHCON should rethink its partnerships.
I like to recommend that NAHCON think about diversifying its service suppliers for D Tent lodging, permitting competitors amongst at the least three completely different firms. Elevated competitors might foster improved requirements and guarantee Nigerian pilgrims obtain the standard of service they count on and deserve. Moreover, NAHCON ought to set up a Suppose Tank comprising former leaders (chairmen of the Fee), everlasting commissioners in vital operational areas and former chief executives of state pilgrims’ boards to information present choices and allow extra environment friendly administration of Hajj affairs.
Common Observations and Suggestions
It is strongly recommended that Part 3 of the NAHCON Institution Act be amended to incorporate representatives from journey businesses, comparable to tour operators and state pilgrims welfare businesses, on the NAHCON Board. These businesses play an important function within the Hajj course of, producing 100% of the pilgrims and accompanying income. Their exclusion from the Board undermines the collaborative potential vital for efficient governance and decision-making throughout the Fee.
Incorporating journey company representatives wouldn’t solely acknowledge their vital contributions but additionally improve NAHCON’s means to handle the wants and considerations of all stakeholders concerned within the pilgrimage. This modification ensures that the insights and experiences of these instantly concerned in pilgrimage logistics are built-in into the planning and execution course of, finally benefiting Nigerian pilgrims and strengthening the general Hajj expertise.
The NAHCON Act at the moment lacks a transparent definition of “Tour Operator,” opting as a substitute to make use of the time period “Company,” which encompasses varied state-level Pilgrims Welfare Boards and licensed businesses. This lack of specificity can create confusion relating to the roles and duties of tour operators within the Hajj course of. Readability could be supplied by explicitly recognising “Tour Operators” throughout the Act, guaranteeing their important pilgrimage contributions are acknowledged. Subsequently, Part 16 needs to be amended to incorporate a definite definition of “Tour Operator” as follows:
“Tour Operator” refers to any licensed company or organisation that facilitates and organises pilgrimage providers for people or teams,..…
This revision would make sure that the function of tour operators is prominently recognised and afforded the significance it deserves throughout the authorized framework governing Hajj operations.
Recruitment Course of
The recruitment course of for management positions throughout the Hajj Fee ought to contain solely people with a stable understanding of Hajj operations. These in cost have to be educated in regards to the complexities of the pilgrimage. Moreover, there needs to be efforts to scale back household affect within the decision-making course of to make sure professionalism and effectiveness in managing Hajj affairs.
To be continued…
Sensible Implementation of the NAHCON Act
Precedence needs to be given to the efficient implementation of the present Act quite than pursuing amendments (the above ideas however). The present points dealing with the fee stem from insufficient execution of the provisions throughout the Act, a lot of which have but to be examined in precise Hajj operations. As an alternative of searching for adjustments to the legislation, let this august Home give attention to addressing operational shortcomings, comparable to managing the Hajj Financial savings Scheme, which at the moment lacks a Board of Trustees and needs to be administered by the State Pilgrims’ Boards and businesses and never NAHCON.
Moreover, NAHCON ought to tackle the vital function of licensing trade contributors, together with state boards and PTOs. By doing so, the fee can guarantee a regulated and organised framework for all stakeholders concerned within the pilgrimage, fostering higher collaboration and finally enhancing the expertise for all Nigerian pilgrims. This strategy promotes accountability and efficient governance throughout the Hajj operation, aligning with the Act’s unique intent.
NAHCON ought to (1) improve its regulatory oversight by implementing efficient rules and enforcement mechanisms. These rules have to be honest, constant, predictable, and acceptable to all stakeholders concerned within the Hajj course of. Strengthening oversight on this method would make sure that all events adhere to established requirements, fostering belief and cooperation amongst stakeholders whereas bettering the general organisation and administration of the pilgrimage. (2) think about its major duties, which embody formulating insurance policies, regulating the Hajj course of, offering consular providers, overseeing well being measures, and licensing related stakeholders. By specializing in these core capabilities, NAHCON can enhance its effectiveness and effectivity in managing the Hajj pilgrimage, guaranteeing that each one points are well-organised and compliant with established requirements. This focused strategy would improve the general expertise for pilgrims and uphold the integrity of the Hajj operations in Nigeria.
Hajj Fares
The dearth of consistency in Hajj fares throughout completely different states raises considerations about equity. Every state affords varied lodging in various places with distinct advantages, comparable to proximity to the Haram and ranging high quality, which may affect pricing. NAHCON shouldn’t decide Hajj fares for states; as a substitute, it ought to permit every state to set its personal fares after acquiring approval from NAHCON. This strategy would make sure that charges mirror native market circumstances and the particular providers every state affords, selling higher transparency and fairness within the Hajj pricing course of.
Corruption
Corruption negatively impacts Nigerian pilgrims by inflating lodging prices. For instance, a lodge priced at SAR 5,000 could solely be price SAR 2,500, which is the precise quantity paid. The remaining SAR 2,500 is usually diverted amongst brokers and different people with vested pursuits within the trade, resulting in the monetary exploitation of the pilgrims. This follow undermines the integrity of the Hajj expertise and leads to pilgrims overpaying for providers that don’t mirror their precise worth.
The management of NAHCON ought to chorus from making unrealistic guarantees, comparable to guaranteeing a discount in Hajj fares, to achieve favour with authorities. Such statements can injury the integrity and credibility of Hajj administration in Nigeria. As an alternative, NAHCON ought to give attention to trustworthy and sensible insurance policies that genuinely improve the pilgrimage expertise, thereby sustaining belief with pilgrims and stakeholders.
This investigation shouldn’t be confined to Hajj 2024; it has to give attention to Hajj operations from latest years. The 2024 Hajj confirmed enhancements over the Hajj in 2022 and 2023, which confronted a number of points. As an illustration, at Mashaa’ir, in Hajj 2022, half of the pilgrims didn’t obtain lodging, the meals provide was inadequate, and the airlift was not totally accomplished, leaving a notable variety of pilgrims behind throughout outbound flights. Addressing these previous issues is crucial for enhancing future Hajj operations.
Additional Suggestions
Service Supplier Rotation: To make sure high quality service, NAHCON ought to think about establishing an everyday rotation of service suppliers for lodging. This strategy encourages competitors amongst a number of firms and may considerably improve the standard of providers supplied to pilgrims.
Pilgrim Suggestions Mechanism: Establishing a strong suggestions mechanism to gather the views and experiences of pilgrims throughout and after the Hajj can help NAHCON in figuring out lapses and areas requiring enchancment.
Transparency in Monetary Administration: NAHCON should prioritise transparency in its monetary dealings, significantly in finances allocations and spending associated to Hajj operations, to revive belief and religion among the many Nigerian populace.
Conclusion
The Hajj 2024 expertise highlights vital gaps in service provision and administration by NAHCON and Ithraa Al Khair. The overriding want for improved service supply, higher competitors amongst service suppliers, and strategic oversight mechanisms stands clear. For future Hajj seasons, it’s crucial that buildings are put in place to stop the recurrence of such organisational failures, guaranteeing that Nigerian pilgrims have their wants successfully met throughout this vital religious journey.
A number of public hearings on Hajj points have been held prior to now, however the outcomes and suggestions weren’t communicated or acted upon. Subsequently, the Nationwide Meeting (NASS) ought to guarantee us that the present investigation will result in significant outcomes and won’t be a waste of time.
