To tackle the challenges faced by Nigerian pilgrims, the House of Representatives has taken an ambitious step by endorsing a detailed report that suggests substantial changes within both the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) and the Federal Capital Territory Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board.
The reforms aim to improve the overall Hajj experience, ensure transparency and prevent financial mismanagement.
Leading these changes is the creation of a Hajj Tribunal designed to address contract violations, monetary disagreements, and service shortcomings related to NAHCON, travel companies, and pilgrims. "The purpose of this tribunal is to offer pilgrims an opportunity to resolve any issues they might encounter," stated Sada Soli, who chairs the temporary committee.
A significant change also involves reviewing and renegotiating the Bilateral Air Agreement, which permits Saudi Arabian carriers to transport half of Nigeria’s pilgrims. According to the report, “This pact has adversely affected our local airlines, which have demonstrated their capability in handling pilgrim flights.” In light of this, the House has instructed the administration to reopen negotiations with the aim of achieving a fairer allocation of airlift agreements.
In order to enhance transparency, NAHCON is required to release a comprehensive and open account of all Hajj expenses, providing a rationale for every charge to avoid concealed fees and fiscal misconduct. Additionally, the commission needs to maintain a consistent pricing policy for all travelers, ensuring that any necessary price differences are clearly explained and justified.
The House has requested an increase in the current $500 Basic Travel Allowance (BTA) to a higher figure that would better cover expenses for travelers. Additionally, they have emphasized the importance of decentralizing accommodation oversight so that both State Pilgrims Welfare Boards and private travel agencies can participate in setting fair rates for accommodations used by pilgrims.
Other reforms include the establishment of a service rating system for accommodation providers, ensuring that providers meet set standards before being contracted. The commission must also ensure timely fund disbursements for accommodation to prevent last-minute re-allocations that force pilgrims into substandard hotels.
Additionally, NAHCON must implement an effective refund mechanism for pilgrims if accommodations or services fall below agreed standards and impose penalties for poor performance for service providers who fail to meet their obligations.
Along with these changes, the House has called upon NAHCON to set up a robust pilgrim complaint and redressal cell to address issues concerning lodging, meals, transit, and various services. It’s crucial that the organization implements a clear process for issuing official Hajj visas to accredited travel agents, making sure that the allocation aligns with their responsibility towards managing pilgrims. Additionally, NAHCON needs to keep public records of all visa allocations to avoid any instances of fraud or tampering.
The House cautioned against taking unilateral actions and called upon NAHCON to involve tour operators, airlines, and state pilgrim welfare boards, along with regulatory bodies, in the decision-making process instead of acting alone. Additionally, the commission needs to enhance its enforcement capabilities to guarantee that service providers, tour operators, and state entities adhere to established Hajj guidelines.
Regarding the nourishment of pilgrims, the House requested the Hajj commission to engage Nigerian food providers to create culturally suitable dishes for them. Additionally, the commission should implement stringent measures for monitoring the quality of these catering services to guarantee clean and healthy meals for all pilgrims.
Significantly, the House has instructed both the Anti-Corruption bodies and the Office of the Auditor General for the Federation (OAGF) to carry out an extensive review of NAHCON’s N90 billion federal subsidy designated for the 2024 Hajj activities. Additionally, legislators have requested these anti-graft entities to investigate NAHCON's assertion that they used part of this fund to sponsor 1000 officials.
It is anticipated that these improvements will greatly enhance the Hajj pilgrimage for Nigerian travelers, guaranteeing openness, responsibility, and superior service.
Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. ( Syndigate.info ).
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