By Chimezie Godfrey
The Independent Hajj Reporters (IHR) have urged President Bola Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima to tread cautiously in appointing a new leadership for the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), following the resignation of its chairman.
The group warned that any hasty decision could destabilise preparations for the 2026 Hajj and negatively affect Nigerian pilgrims.
In a statement on Sunday, the group noted that with major arrangements already concluded, including pilgrims’ registration, logistics planning and operational frameworks, continuity must be prioritised.
“Following the resignation of the Chairman of NAHCON, we call on the President and the Vice President to exercise caution and pragmatism at this very critical stage of the 2025 Hajj operations,” the statement read.
“With major arrangements already concluded, including pilgrims’ registration, logistics planning and the operational framework, there is a clear need to allow officials who have been directly involved in these processes to continue steering the exercise.”
The group urged the Federal Government to appoint a competent acting chairman from within the existing structure.
“We urge the Federal Government to appoint, in an acting capacity, the most competent individual and relatively free from allegation of corruption from within the existing operational team,” it said.
“Such a decision will guarantee continuity and prevent avoidable disruptions, pending the appointment of a substantive chairman with proven experience and a credible track record in Hajj administration.”
The organisation also supported the government’s decision to accept the former chairman’s resignation, citing internal conflicts.
“We align with the government’s decision to accept the resignation, especially in view of the numerous allegations against him and the deep division that existed between his office and members of the NAHCON board,” it stated.
“The breakdown in working relations made effective collaboration impossible and would have negatively affected Nigerian pilgrims.”
Warning against bringing in an outsider at this stage, the group said such a move would be counterproductive.
“We caution against appointing an entirely new figure from outside the system at this late stage of preparations,” it added.
“Doing so would amount to starting the operation afresh. This is not the moment for experimentation, but for stability, continuity and informed leadership.”
The group said its position was based on practical experience and recent reforms introduced by Saudi authorities.
“Our position is drawn from experiences in Hajj operations, especially the current structural characteristics introduced by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia,” it noted.
The organisation stressed that pilgrims’ welfare must remain paramount.
“Ultimately, our call is for a transition that places the welfare, comfort and successful participation of Nigerian pilgrims above all other considerations,” it concluded.