By GARBA MUHAMMAD, Kaduna

As preparations for the 2025 Hajj intensify, a prominent faith-based Civil Society Organization (CSO), Independent Hajj Reporters (IHR), has urged the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) and State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Boards (SMPWBs) to prioritize merit and professionalism in the appointment of adhoc officials for the upcoming pilgrimage.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, April 16, 2025, and signed by its National Coordinator, Ibrahim Muhammad, the group emphasized the importance of deploying qualified personnel to effectively serve Nigerian pilgrims in Saudi Arabia.

According to IHR, past experiences have shown that many politically-appointed adhoc officials abandon their responsibilities shortly after arriving in the Kingdom, often returning to Nigeria prematurely and leaving behind the pilgrims they were meant to assist.

“They are often also the first contingent to be flown home, effectively abandoning the very pilgrims they are supposed to support,” the statement noted.

The CSO said that the efficiency of Hajj operations is heavily dependent on the commitment and competence of adhoc staff, especially during offshore operations where manpower is often stretched thin.

It cited global best practices from countries like Malaysia, Indonesia, Pakistan, and Bangladesh, where adhoc officials are recruited through competitive processes. “These countries conduct open calls for applications, interviews, screening, and require selected candidates to sign binding agreements detailing their responsibilities, duration of stay in Saudi Arabia, entitlements, and penalties for non-compliance,” IHR stated.

The group raised concerns about growing political interference and nepotism in the selection process, saying: “There are instances where trained staff of the pilgrims’ boards are excluded, while political loyalists with little or no experience are appointed. Some of these individuals end up behaving like VIP pilgrims, demanding special treatment and becoming a burden on the system.”

IHR advised that complimentary Hajj slots for political patronage be separated from operational appointments to preserve the integrity of service delivery to Nigerian pilgrims.

“These developments, if not addressed, will negatively impact the quality of services provided to pilgrims, most of whom struggle to pay their fares and additional service charges,” the statement concluded.