N90 Billion Hajj Subsidy: Why NAHCON Chairman is Under EFCC Investigation | READ DETAILS

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has launched a thorough investigation into the alleged mismanagement of N90 billion allocated for the 2024 Hajj subsidy. At the center of the probe is the Chairman of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Malam Jalal Arabi, who has been interrogated over several allegations related to fund misuse.

The EFCC's focus includes claims that Arabi and other top officials received N137 million in inflated estacode allowances, which the EFCC has since recovered. Another disturbing allegation involves the fraudulent payment of N778 million in consultancy fees, purportedly for a non-existent contract. The chairman is also under investigation for instructing the withdrawal of N3.7 billion in cash from the subsidy funds, which remains unaccounted for.

In addition to these financial irregularities, concerns have been raised about inflated contracts for pilgrim accommodation, transportation, and other services during the Hajj. The Niger State Governor, Mohammed Bago, has openly criticized NAHCON's performance, describing the commission's handling of the subsidy as a "failure" and calling for a full probe into the matter.

NAHCON has faced ongoing scrutiny since 2021, with several petitions submitted against its management. The EFCC's investigation, which is still ongoing, has also involved questioning three directors of the commission. Despite the severity of the allegations, Arabi has maintained that the funds were utilized transparently, noting that each pilgrim benefited from a subsidy of N1,637,369.87.

The House of Representatives has joined the call for accountability, further intensifying pressure on NAHCON. The EFCC is committed to continuing its investigation until it reaches the root of the alleged mismanagement.