Bauchi Governor Criticises NAHCON Over 2024 Hajj Disappointments

• Bauchi State Governor, Senator Bala Mohammed, criticises the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) for poor handling of the 2024 Hajj operations
• He calls for decentralisation of Hajj operations to allow state governments to take control of pilgrims’ welfare
• The governor donates 300 Saudi Riyals to each of the 2,680 Bauchi state pilgrims as Sallah gifts

Bauchi State Governor, Senator Bala Mohammed, has expressed his disappointment with the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) over the handling of the 2024 Hajj operations in Saudi Arabia.

Speaking to state pilgrims in Mina, Mecca, the Governor criticised NAHCON’s policies, which he said had caused hardships for pilgrims despite the high costs of Hajj seats.

Bauchi governor pledges to fight the monopoly of NAHCON. Image: X/Bala MohammedSource: Twitter

Governor Mohammed specifically highlighted the inadequate Basic Travelling Allowance (BTA) of less than $500, despite pilgrims paying over N8m for a Hajj seat, Tribune reported.

He called for the decentralisation of Hajj operations, allowing state governments to take control of pilgrims’ welfare.

The Governor announced a donation of 300 Saudi Riyals to each of the 2,680 Bauchi state pilgrims as Sallah gifts.

“This year’s Hajj exercise has subjected pilgrims to severe hardships due to the unfavourable policies introduced by NAHCON and other stakeholders,” the Governor remarked.

In response, NAHCON Chairman, Alhaji Jalal Ahmad Arabi, acknowledged the challenges but attributed them to factors beyond the Commission’s control.

He assured that the Federal Government would address the issues before the next Hajj exercise.

The Chairman of HISBAH Committee, Kano State, and the Executive Secretary, Bauchi State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, also commended Governor Mohammed for his support and concern for the pilgrims.

Soun queries Chief Imam for performing 2024 Hajj

TheTalk.NG had earlier reported that the Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Afolabi Ghandi Olaoye, criticised Chief Imam, Sheikh Taliat Yunus Olusina Ayilara for undertaking the Hajj pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia without obtaining the traditional ruler’s permission.

It is noted that tensions have been ongoing for several months between the traditional ruler and the leader of the Muslim community.

The Chief Imam was among the Nigerian pilgrims who participated in the 1445 Hajj exercise in Saudi Arabia.

Source: TheTalk.NG

Customs Intercept 844 Rifles, 112,500 Rounds of Live Ammunition

The Nigeria Customs Service successfully intercepted a bulk load of illegally transported weapons destined for the country The customs service has suspended the licenses of the routes through which the cargoes were transported, pending an active investigation into the crime. Officers responsible for the passage of the goods have also been suspended and will be … Continue reading here ▶

BREAKING: Many Trapped As Popular Hotel Collapses in Abuja, Video Emerges

TheTalk.NG journalist Esther Odili has over two years of experience covering political parties and movements. Many people were trapped when a four-storey building attached to the Westbrook Hotel in the Garki area of the Federal Capital Territory collapsed on Monday night. The Westbrook Hotel is said to be owned by a former governor of a … Continue reading here ▶

“Nigerians Not Feeling the Impact”: LP Probes Tinubu Gov’t’s N4.3tn Palliatives

The Labour Party (LP) has criticized Tinubu’s administration, alleging that the N4.3 trillion allocated for palliatives has not been effectively utilized LP National Publicity Secretary Obiora Ifoh pointed out that despite the government’s claims, the funds have not reached the grassroots The Deputy National Organising Secretary, for APC, Nze Chidi Duru emphasized that the opposition’s … Continue reading here ▶

Borno Bombing: “One Life Lost in Cold Blood”, Shettoma Grieves

Vice President Kashim Shettima has visited the victims of the multiple explosions in Gwoza local government area of Borno state Shettima also said President Bola Tinubu sent his condolence message to the victims while describing the situation as pathetic The vice president also cited the quote from the late Dele Giwa, saying that the killing … Continue reading here ▶

“What We Want to Hear”: Labour Sends New Message To Tinubu’s Govt Over Minimum Wage

President of Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Joe Ajaero, has accused the federal government of hiding under the state governors Ajaero said the delay in submitting the new minimum wage proposal to the National Assembly shows that the government has not put its house in order He said any governor that cannot pay the new minimum … Continue reading here ▶