A faith-based civil society organisation, the Independent Hajj Reporters (IHR), has called on the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) and State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Boards (SMPWBs) to adopt an examination-based and merit-driven process for appointing Hajj officials to improve service delivery and protect Nigeria’s image during the pilgrimage.
In a statement signed by its National Coordinator, Ibrahim Muhammad, and released on Tuesday, the organisation said the absence of proper screening and assessment for Hajj officials at both national and state levels has continued to undermine the quality of services provided to Nigerian pilgrims in Saudi Arabia.
IHR urged state pilgrim boards to resist political pressure in the selection process, warning against the appointment of unqualified individuals based on patronage rather than competence. It noted that the practice of “transporting political foot soldiers” as Hajj assistants often creates operational challenges and worsens pilgrims’ experiences during the exercise.
The organisation expressed concern that some appointed officials, who reportedly enjoyed the same services as pilgrims that paid up to ₦8.5 million for the 2025 Hajj, still staged protests in Saudi Arabia over alleged inadequate Basic Travelling Allowance (BTA). According to IHR, such conduct highlights the urgent need for stricter selection criteria ahead of subsequent pilgrimages.
It warned that the embarrassment recorded during the 2025 Hajj must not be repeated, stressing that Nigeria’s participation alongside over 162 other countries makes professionalism and discipline among officials critical to preserving the country’s international reputation.
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Drawing from global best practices, IHR noted that Pakistan’s Ministry of Religious Affairs conducts competitive examinations for Hajj officials through its National Testing Service, involving written tests, interviews and physical assessments to ensure merit-based selection. It added that Bangladesh also operates a competency-based system, with clear criteria, quotas and annual schedules guiding the recruitment and training of Hajj officials.
The group therefore called on NAHCON to institutionalise a formal screening process through examinations and to mandate successful candidates to sign undertakings clearly defining their duration of assignment, scope of duties and entitlements. Such measures, IHR said, would enhance accountability and ensure more effective support for Nigerian pilgrims in Saudi Arabia.
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