The Association for Hajj and Umrah Operators of Nigeria (AHUON) has directed its members to suspend all activities related to the preparation for Hajj 2025 until further notice.
The directive was issued in a statement signed by the Association’s President, Alhaji AbdulLateef Ekundayo, in Abuja, the nation’s capital.
Alhaji Ekundayo stated that the directive is necessary to ensure that all the Association’s requests before the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) are duly addressed.
He said; “The NAHCON’s National Executive Council has met our Board of Trustees members, and we all agreed that this action is necessary to ensure that all our requests before NAHCON are duly met, especially our accumulated refunds over the years.
“It is with a deep sense of responsibility that we write to issue this directive that all actions with respect to the Hajj 2025 preparation be suspended until further notice.”
“Members who have made payment for Hajj 2025 should not submit it until a counter directive is given.
“Members that have collected the form, submitted it, and made payment should send the name of their company to the zonal VP.
“It is worthy of note that NAHCON responded to our several letters of request only on Tuesday, 24th Sept 2024, giving an excuse that Hajj processing should not be delayed to align with the Saudi Hajj calendar. This, to us, is their usual tactics over the years with regards to the issues of accumulated refunds with them and can no longer be tolerated.
“We implore our dear members to stay calm and continue to support our determination to explore all legal means of recovering our members’ rights and set a good precedence for both parties,” the statement reads.
Meanwhile, the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria NAHCON has noted with concern the recent directive by the AHOUN instructing their members to suspend participation in 2025 Hajj preparations.
This was contained in a statement signed by NAHCON’s Assistant Director Public Affairs, Hajiya Fatima Usara.
Hajiya Usara said; “while we acknowledge the issues raised regarding accumulated refunds, it is important to clarify that NAHCON has been in continuous communication with AHOUN on this matter and remains committed to addressing all legitimate concerns.”
She said; “NAHCON wishes to reassure AHOUN and the general public that the Commission has no intention of downplaying or neglecting the issue of refunds. On 24th September 2024,
“NAHCON communicated with AHOUN regarding the urgency of aligning with the Saudi Hajj calendar to avoid disruptions in the 2025 Hajj preparations, a position we still maintain as critical.”
She said NAHCON strongly believed that open dialogue and continued collaboration are the best ways to resolve these matters without causing unnecessary disruptions that could affect the pilgrims and operators alike.
Hajiya Usara added that NAHCON remained open to further discussions with AHOUN to iron out any lingering concerns and work towards a swift resolution.
Mercy Chukwudiebere
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