Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, has criticized the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) for failing to provide adequate welfare for Nigerian pilgrims in Saudi Arabia, despite charging over N8 million per Hajj seat.
Governor Mohammed accused NAHCON of poor pilgrim welfare and called for decentralization of Hajj operations. He expressed concerns over the hardship faced by Nigerian pilgrims in Saudi Arabia, citing unfavourable policies and inadequate Basic Travelling Allowance (BTA) as key issues.
The governor’s remarks came during a meeting with Bauchi pilgrims in Mina, Mecca. He announced a donation of 300 Saudi Riyal to each of the 2,685 Bauchi pilgrims as a Sallah gift.
NAHCON Chairman, Alhaji Jalal Ahmad Arabi, responded that most challenges faced by pilgrims were beyond the Commission’s control. He commended Nigerian pilgrims for their patience and understanding.
