Legal Action Threat: We wont succumb to blackmail – NAHCON
The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) says it will not succumb to blackmail in its preparation for the 2025 Hajj.
A statement by Muhammad Ahmad Musa, NAHCON Head of Public Affairs dismissed recent alleged threats of court action by a company in Saudi Arabia over contract issues.
“Recent news carried by some media houses stating threats of legal action by Mashariq al Dhahabia, appears intended to pressure NAHCON into granting an exclusive monopoly of the States’ quota.
“NAHCON firmly rejects any attempt to create confusion or compromise the welfare of the Nigerian Pilgrims. Instead, the Commission’s strategy is to foster a competitive environment that is aimed at reducing costs and enhancing service quality.
“NAHCON remains steadfast in its commitment to contractual integrity and the well-being of the Nigerian Pilgrims,” the commission said in the statement.
The commission added that it will continue to operate with transparency and accountability, undeterred by allegations or attempts to undermine its mission.
“NAHCON is also committed to excellence, transparency and the welfare of Nigerian Pilgrims in service provision of this sacred journey.£
It assured that since inception, it has not reneged in honouring its contractual commitments and upholding the standards of transparency and accountability.
NAHCON explained why it engaged another company for state pilgrims even though it had a contract with Mashariq al Dhahabia.
“On January 17, 2025, during a pre-Hajj visit following the Hajj exhibition, NAHCON and Mashariq al Dhahabia entered into an agreement to provide ground and Masha’ir services for Nigerian States’ Pilgrims.
“The decision to supplement Mashariq’s services with an additional provider was made after identifying operational challenges specifically, issues with Mashariq’s listing on the Saudi Visa Portal, Nusuk.
“Despite subsequent corrective actions by Mashariq al Dhahabia, NAHCON’s proactive decision to engage a supplementary provider was driven by the need to meet stringent Saudi deadlines and to ensure uninterrupted service to Nigerian Pilgrims,” it stated.
