The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria, NAHCON, has appealed for the understanding of its staff members involved in the ongoing Hajj operations over financial constraints that would make them receive allowance pay cut this year.
Similarly, the commission declared that allowances of all operational committee members, including the Media Team, Ulama, security and other stakeholders remain affected due to budgetary limitations.
NAHCON’s chairman, Malam Jalal Arabi, according to a statement signed by the commission’s Assistant Director, Public Affairs, Hajia Fatima Sanda Usara, communicated the situation to staff on offshore assignment via zoom meeting where he explained the tight situation that the commission finds itself and sought their understanding.
Arabi said it was same condition that led NAHCON to request for medical volunteerism by National Medical Team members.
He, therefore, solicited maximum support and cooperation of all concerned, saying he was “fully aware that not all will be happy with this drastic departure from the past”, adding that “the reality reflects the situation in which the whole country finds itself.”
The chairman explained that the “financial downturn that impacted many aspects of the 2024 Hajj operations did not leave out the payment of NAHCON staff stipend for the Hajj operations.”
He expressed regrets over the situation “knowing how exerting Hajj operations are to staff and their families”, adding that “due to these financial constraints, certain allowances peculiar to the staff will remain suspended for the time being.”
“Despite 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,” he stated.
Arabi went further: “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.”
He acknowledged the dedication and commitment of his staff and expressed gratitude for their understanding during this challenging period and also reassured all stakeholders of the commission’s continued efforts to navigate the financial challenges while prioritizing the well-being of pilgrims, its personnel and the success of the Hajj.
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