By GARBA MUHAMMAD, Kaduna

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has held a virtual meeting with members of Private Tour Operators in Nigeria in preparation for the 2025 Hajj.

The Commissioner Operations, Prince Anofi Elegushi, led the meeting in the Hajj House Boardroom on September 20th, 2024.

A statement by Fatima Sanda Usara, Assistant Director Public Affairs on Sunday, September 22th, 2025, said before the virtual meeting with members of the Tour Operator Companies, NAHCON had earlier met with leadership of the Hajj Private sector in Nigeria.

Thus the Commissioner briefed participants on a number of issues among which was outcome of virtual meeting with Ministry of Hajj and Umrah in Saudi Arabia as well as outcome of meeting with AHOUN leadership.

It would be recalled that Private Tour Operators under the aegis of Association of Hajj and Umrah Operators in Nigeria (AHUON), had expressed concerns over a number of issues.

In response, NAHCON had on Tuesday, September 10, 2024, invited leadership of the Association for an understanding of the matters raised.

The statement said: ?With regards to AHOUN?s concern over caution deposit refunds, NAHCON?s Commissioner Operations, Prince Anofi Elegushi, who chaired the meeting had explained to AHOUN leadership that the caution deposit is meant to compensate any pilgrim with genuine claims of disservice by a Tour Operator.

?The normal procedure after every Hajj was for NAHCON to refund pilgrims that did not go for the Hajj from the defaulting company?s caution deposit.

?Hence, advertisement is first placed in any national daily newspaper inviting complaints from pilgrims.

?Then after one month?s expiration of the advertisement, those Companies without any indictment are considered eligible for refunds thus will be invited for reconciliation after which they apply for the refund or roll-over.

?Any company found wanting on the other hand will wait for an outcome of investigation to be followed by reconciliation then payment of refund after sending its formal request for that.

?Hence, in 2023, out of 241 Tour Operators that deposited the caution deposit of N5million each, 139 requested and received their refunds. 70 companies requested for a roll-over of their deposit to 2024 instead of a refund

?The remaining number were those yet to be cleared of allegations and those yet to apply for their refunds or roll over.?

The statement noted further that, as for 2024 refund of caution deposit, the invitation for complaint ended on 10th of August this year after which only 26 companies had applied for refund as at the time of the meeting.

?The process was still ongoing. However, due to new developments in the Commission, payment could not be made at that time without an approving officer who was the Chairman/CEO.?

?Similarly, to clear up AHUON?s demand for a N20,000,000 share from Hajj Development Levy, Prince Elegushi informed the AHUON representatives that the Commission?s Establishment Act does not recognise cash withdrawal from the levy to pay individuals or organisations. What the mandate stipulates is funding of projects that will be beneficial to welfare of pilgrims? and pilgrims? managers.

AHUON President, Alhaji Abdullateef Ekundayo had appreciated NAHCON for holding the meeting. He expressed satisfaction for the opportunity to discuss these critical issues with the Commission as the regulators declaring readiness to accord NAHCON the respect it deserves while the association expects same from the Commission.

Alhaji Ekendayo thanked NAHCON?s Commissioner Operations and requested for an extension of registration deadline. The extension was granted.

Both NAHCON and AHUON recognised their dependability in the conduct of smooth Hajj operations. The two sides resolved to refresh their mutual relationship as stakeholders through consultation and respect for each other?s roles. They both agreed to enhance communication for the sake of harmony.

INVITATION TO PTOs CLAIM OUTSTANDING REFUNDS:

Meanwhile, the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria calls on any Private Tour Operator with claims of outstanding refund dating back to any period within the Commission?s existence to forward their claims with genuine evidence to the Commission for necessary action.

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