Hajj Commission Faces Corruption Allegations Over Questionable Reinstatements and Contract Extensions

NAHCON Faces Corruption Allegations Over Questionable Reinstatements and Contract Extensions

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) is under scrutiny following allegations of corruption, including the reinstatement of retired civil servants into key positions and violations of civil service rules.

The Bureau Newspaper learnt that one of the controversial cases involves Usman Ardo Kumo, a retired civil servant and politician who contested the 2019 elections. Sources allege that Kumo was reinstated through the influence of Bukar Babagana, NAHCON’s Director of Administration and Human Resources. Bukar, a former official of the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP), reportedly facilitated Kumo’s return by engineering his transfer from the North-West Development Commission to NAHCON.

According to sources within NAHCON, Kumo was strategically placed in a lucrative procurement office. However, whistleblower reports exposed the irregularities, forcing him to abandon the position.

Another case involves Dr. Aliyu Tanko, a retired civil servant who initially received a two-year contract extension under NAHCON’s leadership. Despite civil service rules limiting contract extensions to a maximum of four years, Tanko secured an additional two-year extension, raising concerns about procedural violations.

Widespread Allegations and Institutional Rot

NAHCON staff have also called for investigations into other officials, including Assistant Directors Wafiyyah Saleh, Fatima Usara, and Mustapha Abba. Allegations include over-promotion and bribery to secure positions beyond their rightful civil service grades.

The 2021 “Proper Placement” report, which aimed to rectify such discrepancies, was reportedly buried due to interference from beneficiaries of the over-promotion scheme.

Hajj Refunds Amid Criticism

These allegations come as NAHCON grapples with criticism over poor services during the 2023 Hajj. The Saudi Arabian authorities highlighted substandard electricity services during the pilgrimage, prompting NAHCON to announce a refund of ₦5.3 billion to states, tour operators, and stakeholders.

Of this amount, ₦4.4 billion was allocated to Pilgrims’ Welfare Boards in Nigeria’s 36 states, the FCT, and the Armed Forces, while ₦917 million went to 192 accredited tour companies. NAHCON Chairman, Prof. Abdullahi Usman, emphasized the commission’s commitment to transparency and urged pilgrims to claim their refunds through their respective agencies.

Calls for Accountability

As pressure mounts, stakeholders and civil society organizations are demanding a thorough probe into NAHCON’s operations to address the alleged corruption and restore public trust in the commission.