EFCC Invites Hajj Commission Chair Over 2024 Exercise

• The EFCC has summoned Malam Jalal Arabi to explain the N90 billion subsidy for the 2024 Hajj, addressing financial mismanagement allegations
• Arabi will provide accounts of fund distribution amid accusations of inadequate accommodations for pilgrims, including state governors during Hajj

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has summoned Malam Jalal Arabi, Chairman of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), to its headquarters in Jabi, Abuja. Arabi is scheduled to appear before the EFCC’s investigators at 10:00 am today (Tuesday) to explain the expenditure of the N90 billion subsidy allocated for the 2024 Hajj exercise.

Sources within the EFCC revealed that Arabi will provide detailed accounts of how NAHCON distributed the substantial sum allocated to support pilgrims. The anti-graft agency’s interrogation will address a series of petitions accusing Arabi and NAHCON of mismanaging the funds and mistreating pilgrims during the 2024 Hajj in Saudi Arabia.

The EFCC emphasized its commitment to fighting financial crimes without bias towards religion or ethnicity. An insider stated, “We’re doing our job as prescribed in law without minding whose ox is gored. In the EFCC, nothing concerns us with religion or tribe; what is important for us is to tame financial crimes and other fraudulent activities in our society.”

When contacted, EFCC spokesman Dele Oyewale said he would confirm the details of the invitation but had not provided additional information at the time of reporting.

Earlier, at a press briefing, Arabi informed journalists that each pilgrim who paid for the 2024 Hajj through the government quota received N1.6 million in support due to the naira’s instability. He explained that the depreciation of the currency, prompted by foreign exchange reforms by the Central Bank of Nigeria, made previous payments by intending pilgrims insufficient.

In response, NAHCON sought federal assistance, leading to President Tinubu approving a N90 billion intervention instead of a concessionary exchange rate. This fund was used to assist the pilgrims, Arabi said.

Arabi also addressed the dissatisfaction expressed by some officials, including Niger State Governor Umar Bago, over inadequate accommodations for Tent A pilgrims, which included state governors and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen.