Dear Professor Abdullahi Usman,
Shaikhana, I pen this missive to offer my contemplations on the recently concluded Hajj Conference and Exhibition 2025, which graced the halls of the Jeddah Superdome from the thirteenth to the sixteenth of January. This momentous gathering, held under the esteemed patronage of King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, served as a crucial bastion for the advancement of pilgrimage services, particularly resonating with this year’s evocative theme, “A Passage to Nusuk.”
Partaking in this year’s conference has been a rejuvenating respite from my customary endeavours, yet it has ignited in me a profound reflection on the benefits that such an annual event could bestow upon the Hajj industry in Nigeria. I am resolutely convinced that, with a concerted effort towards organisation, Nigerian stakeholders in Hajj could reap innumerable rewards from these gatherings. Yet, it has become abundantly clear that a disjointed methodology—where each segment functions in isolation—will not suffice to achieve the intended success. It is imperative that the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) assumes a pivotal leadership role in orchestrating our participation and devising a practical and effective plan for Nigerian attendees.
Observations on Coordination
With an expansive exhibition area stretching across 50,000 square metres and boasting a roster of over a hundred speakers alongside fifty immersive workshops, it is, alas, an unrealistic expectation for any single participant to attend every session. In reflecting upon last year’s conference, I recall how Mal Jalal Ahmad Arabi adeptly orchestrated online meetings between NAHCON, officials of the Saudi Hajj Ministry, and private tour operators, which engendered a clearer understanding of our collective roles.
Regrettably, this year’s experience starkly diverged from that precedent, marred by a palpable lack of coordination within the Nigerian contingent. Information regarding the event proved scarce, and meetings arranged by your esteemed office were either cancelled or rescheduled at the eleventh hour, significantly impeding our preparation and meaningful engagement.
Recommendations for Improved Coordination
Last year, the Association for Hajj and Umrah Operators of Nigeria (AHUON) exemplified commendable coordination, conducting multiple meetings both prior to and during the conference. This year, however, there has been a conspicuous absence of such initiatives. To ensure that Nigerian stakeholders may derive more significant benefits from future conferences, I humbly propose that NAHCON convene a dedicated team composed of members from its ranks, AHUON, and state pilgrim officials. This assemblage should establish sub-committees tasked with addressing various dimensions of the Hajj Conference, thereby fostering a cohesive and collaborative approach among all participants.
Moreover, Mr Chairman, I advocate for the following structured framework for the organisation of our team:
1. Team Structure
a. Roles and LeadershipTeam Lead:
Oversee the entire operation, liaise with sub-committee heads, and ensure that NAHCON's objectives for attending the conference are met. This includes ensuring that plenary sessions and the opening and closing ceremonies are well covered.
Sub-Committee Heads:
Each head will manage specific areas (e.g., sessions, workshops, documentation) based on the programme of events.
Rotating Leadership:
Assign leadership roles daily among NAHCON, AHUON, and state pilgrim officials to encourage collaboration and diverse input. No leader will exhibit superiority based on the agency they represent.
b. Sub-Committees
Responsible for documenting sessions, taking notes, and recording discussions.
Manage communications and social media updates to keep stakeholders back home informed about what is happening at the conference.
Compile daily reports and the final comprehensive report.
2. Daily Operations Plan
a. Pre-Conference Planning Meetings:
Conduct meetings in Nigeria and upon arrival in Jeddah to outline the schedule, assign roles, and clarify expectations.
b. During the Conference
Shift Rotations:
Implement a system where team members rotate leadership roles in sub-committees daily.
Session Coverage:
Assign team members to cover different sessions simultaneously.
Daily Report Debriefing:
Hold a debriefing session at the end of each day to review findings, record key takeaways, and reassign roles for the next day.
Documentation:
Utilise tools (like Google Docs or a dedicated app) for real-time documentation and sharing of notes among team members.
3. Reporting Framework
a. Daily ReportsFormat:
Standardised templates for daily captures, including:Session summaries
Key discussions
Action items
Distribution:
Share reports with all team members by the end of each day for collective input and reflections.
b. Final Comprehensive Report
Compiling Findings:
The Reporting Committee compiles input from daily reports into a comprehensive final document.
Review Sessions:
Schedule a meeting before the final submission to review the report and make necessary amendments.
Distribution:
Ensure the final report is shared with all stakeholders and participants post-conference.
Communication Tools
Let us harness platforms such as WhatsApp or Telegram to facilitate real-time communication among our team members, ensuring seamless connectivity and prompt exchanges of vital information.
Feedback Loop
I advocate for the implementation of a structured system to gather feedback from team members, thereby enhancing our preparations for future events.
Conference Participation and Representation
Furthermore, sir, NAHCON might encourage the conference organisers to provide conference papers in advance, enabling participants to engage more effectively with the material. Promoting presentations in both English and French would also foster inclusivity and enrich the discourse among international stakeholders.
As you know, sir, this year’s conference drew an impressive 150,000 visitors from over a hundred countries, providing invaluable opportunities for networking and collaboration. It is essential that NAHCON establishes a booth within the Exhibition pavilion to proudly showcase Nigeria's significant contributions to Hajj, emphasising our century-long dedication to serving Allah's guests. We must convey to the world that Nigeria possesses much to offer in the realm of Hajj management.
Commendations and Concerns
As we look forward to the profound outcomes of the Hajj Conference and Exhibition 2025, I wish to extend my heartfelt congratulations to King Salman bin Abdulaziz and the Crown Prince for their visionary leadership in hosting this pivotal event. Their unwavering commitment to enhancing the pilgrimage experience is truly commendable.
Furthermore, Mr Chairman, it is imperative that representatives of tour operators be included in your retinue while negotiating contracts with the Hajj Ministry and various service providers. This practice has been upheld since the days of Mal, Barrister Abdullahi Mukhtar Muhammad through to Mal Jalal. Mal Abdullahi ensured that the Association for Hajj and Umrah Operators of Nigeria (AHUON) was always represented in all his undertakings in Saudi Arabia, including meetings with the Mu’assasah. Ustaz Zikrullah Kunle Hassan took this commitment a step further, incorporating AHUON into his team, even when engaging with the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA). This inclusion allowed AHUON to directly articulate its unique concerns regarding flight arrangements.
Similarly, Mal Jalal Ahmad Arabi maintained this tradition by ensuring AHUON’s representation during contract signings. Regrettably, I must point out that since your tenure commenced, AHUON has not had the opportunity to accompany you during your movements within Saudia and at the conference. This absence diminishes our collective voice and representation in discussions directly impacting our operations.
Addressing Misunderstandings
During the assembly with tour operators on Thursday, January 16, 2025, at the NAHCON office in Makkah, I wish to commend your leadership for distinguishing yourself amid many at the venue. I must, however, extend my sincerest apologies for any misunderstanding stemming from my metaphorical expression of “fighting you.” Please know that no insult was intended, nor did I seek to diminish the reverence I hold for your esteemed position. I assumed, perhaps naively, that my sentiment would be comprehended in light of the atmosphere and context in which I delivered my remarks.
My intention was to illuminate the shadowboxing that transpired within the hall, where some individuals appeared to assert that the allocation of seats and selection of lead companies was equitable to all. In reality, it seems the Commission has regressed by a decade in terms of procedural integrity and established rules. The very question of the criteria used for selecting these companies remains unanswered.
Indeed, there exist documents within the Commission that enumerate a list of sanctioned companies now included for Hajj 2025— a decision ratified by your esteemed self, Mr Chairman. In his handover note to Ustaz Zikrullah Kunle Hassan, Barrister Abdullahi Mukhtar Muhammad provided a comprehensive list of companies sanctioned by NAHCON for various infractions. I urge you, sir, to request and peruse that document.
It would certainly be enlightening to ascertain whether these companies have been cleared by either Saudi or Nigerian authorities for the offences that led to their sanctions, prior to their selection for Hajj 2025. When I remarked during our meeting in Makkah that the current actions could potentially affect your integrity in the long run, this was precisely what I meant.
Legal and Ethical Considerations
In addressing the petitions concerning Lead Companies, I wish to reiterate some points I raised during our recent meeting. Firstly, Sir, you encouraged individuals with complaints to bring them forth regarding these companies. I was among the first to submit my concerns, urging your attention to the selection process while bearing in mind that those of us who provided evidence at the National Assembly hearing are facing repercussions. It is essential to note that the testimonies we presented before the Ad-hoc Committee investigating NAHCON, chaired by Honourable Sada Soli, pertained solely to events prior to your ascension as Chairman. Thus, I implore you to distinguish our earlier contributions from your current leadership.
Secondly, there exists another petition authored by Hajiya Aminah Ibrahim, Managing Director of Dija Travels. I am compelled to question the rationale behind reading her petition aloud during the meeting, given that such documents were meant to remain confidential. Is the Commission attempting to stifle dissent against its operations? My own submission became public even before it reached your office. While that issue may differ, there exists no justification for disclosing Hajiya Amina’s petition in the presence of the managing directors of the companies she has raised concerns against, unless the intent was, indeed, to sow discord among us.
Thirdly, I ask what transgression Hajiya Amina has committed to warrant the sanctions imposed by NAHCON against her company? Why should the petitioner be penalised for pursuing the action you requested? She brought to light certain allegations against specific entities, and it is incumbent upon the Commission to thoroughly verify the accuracy of her claims. While you indicated that someone checked the Corporate Affairs Commission’s (CAC) portal and found a company presented by Hajiya Amina to be inactive, when in reality it is active, it is crucial to clarify that her assertion was actually correct so far as the content on the portal was at the time.
Furthermore, Mr Chairman, when that verification was sought, it is essential to consider the caveat on the portal that all companies, whether inactive or otherwise, appeared as active on the CAC portal due to scheduled system maintenance and updates. The individual tasked with the verification should have examined the companies' annual dues owed to the CAC; any default in payment results in inactivity.
The Importance of Fair Trial Principles
Lastly, it is crucial to acknowledge that a court convened, heard the case against Hajiya Amina Ibrahim, and pronounced judgment, sentencing her in absentia. The principle of fair hearing is woven into the very fabric of justice, as enshrined in the Glorious Qur’an. It is evident in the parable of Iblis’s defiance against the command of Allah to bow to Adam. Despite the knowledge of Iblis's insubordination, Allah afforded him the opportunity to present his case. (Saad, 38:71-85). Tragically, Hajiya Amina was not similarly fortunate in your deliberative space, Mr Chairman. She was met with sanction, with your blessing, without being granted the right to be heard.
My concern, Sir, lies in the observation that some individuals are taking undue advantage of what appears to be a lack of clarity in your understanding of certain matters. The Commissioner for Operations repeated the phrase “with your permission, Mr Chairman” three times, and on each occasion, you acquiesced with a slight nod. Had you fully grasped the implications of the sentencing of Dija Travels, considering your esteemed background, I believe you would not have permitted such a travesty to persist.
If such occurrences can unfold in a meeting attended by many, one can only speculate about the potential implications of your unknowing acquiescence in the privacy of your office. Those who have entrusted you with this responsibility have not provided the necessary support to you, to NAHCON, or to the Hajj industry at large. They have placed upon you a burden that may be beyond your capacity to bear.
While I acknowledge that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu harbours the best intentions for our nation and for one of the pillars of our faith, it seems he has not received sound counsel in this instance. I sincerely pray that Allah grants you the strength and wisdom to navigate these challenges successfully.
Final Remarks
Sir, I kindly urge you to review all that I have written since your tenure began, if you are allowed access to those documents. Alternatively, I encourage someone close to you to provide an honest explanation of their contents. You will discover that I have consistently treated you with the utmost respect and reverence. My intention in all my correspondence has been to offer constructive counsel aimed at helping you succeed in your role.
However, Shaikhana, I must convey that this will be my final correspondence to you. I sincerely apologise if any part of my previous messages has caused you distress, from the first letter to this one. Please know that our prayers are with you at all times, and I wish you strength and wisdom as you navigate your responsibilities.