NAHCON Denies Reports Of 600 Nigerian Pilgrims Staying Illegally In Saudi Arabia

NAHCON Denies Reports Of 600 Nigerian Pilgrims Staying Illegally In Saudi Arabia

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has dismissed allegations that over 600 Nigerian pilgrims stayed behind illegally in Saudi Arabia following the lesser Hajj. This claim was made by former Kaduna Central Senator Shehu Sani via Twitter, raising concerns about potential visa restrictions.

NAHCON’s Deputy Director of Public Affairs, Fatima Usara, denied the allegations, stating there is no supporting evidence from Saudi or Nigerian authorities. She emphasized that neither Saudi Arabia nor Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs or Immigration Services have reported such incidents.

The controversy follows President Bola Tinubu’s recent dismissal of former Hajj Commission Chairman Jalal Arabi over allegations of mismanagement involving ₦90 billion in Hajj subsidy funds. During the 2024 Hajj season, 51,477 Nigerian pilgrims participated, with each paying ₦6.9 million. The pilgrimage began on May 15 and concluded on July 16, 2024.