Private tour operators have suspended the registration of 2025 hajj intending pilgrims.
This was revealed by the Association for Hajj and Umrah Operators of Nigeria (AHOUN) on Thursday.
The operators said the suspension was because of the failure of the National Hajj Commission (NAHCON) to pay some refunds to its members.
A statement by AHOUN President AbdulLateef Yusuff Ekundayo said the operators reached that after its NEC met with its Board of Trustees (BoT).
He said they agreed that the action is necessary to ensure that all its requests before NAHCON are duly met, “especially our accumulated refunds over the years.”
“It is with a deep sense of responsibility that we write to issue this directive that all actions with respect to the Hajj 2025 preparation be suspended until further notice,” he said.
“It is worthy of note that NAHCON responded to our several letters of request only on Tuesday, 24th September 2024, giving an excuse that Hajj processing should not be delayed to align with the Saudi Hajj calendar. This, to us, is their usual tactics over the years with regards to the issues of accumulated refunds with them and can no longer be tolerated.
“We implore our dear members to stay action and continue to support our determination to explore all legal means of recovering our members’ rights and set a good precedent for both parties. This period is no doubt challenging, but with your support and prayers, there is a light at the end of the tunnel, Bi’izinilLahi Rahman,” he said.
