The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has expressed its readiness to entertain complaints against any of the 10 lead private tour operators (PTOs) it certified to administer this year?s Hajj operations in the private sector, saying this is in line with its resolve to address any allegations against its decision to select the lead companies.

The Commission had on December 27, 2024 announced the names of 118 PTOs that qualified for this year?s Hajj and Umrah operations after thorough screening.

Out of these, 10 lead companies were selected along three zones, four from Kano zone, three each from FCT and Lagos zones.

The 10 lead PTOs, according to the Hajj body, were selected in compliance with Saudi Arabia directives.

However, following complaints it received, NAHCON, through a press release signed by its Assistant Director, Information and Publication, Fatima Sanda Usara, made available on Wednesday, stated that it would formally entertain grievances against any of the lead companies.

It, therefore, asked individuals or groups with credible evidence justifying why any or all of the companies are not qualified to be among the 10 lead companies to submit same to the commission on or before Friday, January, 3.

According to Usara, such evidence would ensure a review of the selection and thorough re-investigation with a view to enabling NAHCON to take appropriate action once the allegations be substantiated.

?In the light of recent complaints received after announcement of the 10 lead Private Tour Operators certified to administer the 2025 Hajj operations under the private sector, the Commission wishes to inform the public that it is ready to formally entertain grievances against any of the lead companies.

?This is in line with the Commission?s resolve to address any allegations against its decisions in a just and impartial manner.

?To this end, NAHCON hereby invites individuals or groups with credible evidence justifying why any or all of the aforementioned companies are not qualified to be among the lead companies to come forward with their claims on or before Friday, 3rd January, 2025.

?Such evidence will facilitate a review of the selection and thorough re-investigation that would enable the Commission take appropriate action should the allegations be substantiated.

?In view of the above, written submissions, accompanied by verifiable evidence supporting the claims should be addressed to: ?The Chairman, National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON)?, and delivered on or before Friday, 3rd January, 2025,? Usara stated.

She added that NAHCON Chairman/CEO, Professor Saleh Usman assured that all submissions would be confidentially treated.

?Please, accept the Chairman?s assurance that all submissions will be treated with the confidentiality it deserves, and all investigations will be conducted in line with the Commission?s commitment to fairness,? she stated.

While appealing for stakeholders and public?s cooperation and understanding, the Commission in achieving its objective, NAHCON assured that it will remain neutral in the discharge of its obligations

?The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) wishes to reassure the public that it will remain neutral in the discharge of its obligations to its stakeholders,? Usara stated. (Nigerian Tribune)

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