The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) says that due to financial difficulties, it is suspending certain allowances peculiar to its staff during the Hajj operation.

NAHCON chair Jalal Arabi said this in a statement by the commission’s spokesman, Fatima Sanda-Usara, on Thursday in Abuja.

Mr Arabi explained that the financial downturn that impacted many aspects of the 2024 hajj operations did not leave out the payment of the NAHCON staff stipend for the hajj operations.

He said the commission regrets the situation, knowing how exerting hajj operations are to staff and their families.

The NAHCON chief said, “Due to these financial constraints, certain allowances peculiar to NAHCON staff will remain suspended for the time being. In spite of this challenging situation, the commission remains hopeful that as conditions improve, staff allowances may be reassessed even if it were a minimal increase.

“However, this time around, staff will be given the option of returning to Nigeria after putting 21 days of service if they opt to return.”

Mr Arabi stated that he had communicated the situation to staff on offshore assignments via Zoom meeting, where he explained the tight situation that the commission finds itself in and sought their understanding.

According to him, the same condition led NAHCON to request medical volunteerism from National Medical Team members.

“Similarly, allowances of all operational committee members, including the media team, ulama, security and other stakeholders, remain affected due to budgetary limitations,” the NAHCON boss said.

The chairman solicited maximum support and cooperation from all concerned.

Mr Arabi added, “I am fully aware that not all will be happy with this drastic departure from the past. However, the reality reflects the situation in which the whole country finds itself. For the same factor, not all staff members were deployed for the offshore assignment.

“Normally, staff deployment for the offshore operations is staggered due to the nature of tasks they are expected to perform. While the commission would have preferred to travel with all its staff to facilitate easier coordination, the current financial circumstances necessitated difficult decisions to ensure the viability of the operations.”

However, Mr Arabi acknowledged his staff’s dedication and commitment and expressed gratitude for their understanding during this challenging period.

He also reassured all stakeholders of the commission’s continued efforts to navigate the financial challenges while prioritising the well-being of pilgrims, its personnel, and the success of the Hajj.

(NAN)