The Tsangaya ( SUPPORTTRANSFORMATION & EMPOWERMENT INITIATIVE) has joined the league of those who supports the returns of National Hajj Commission to the office of the secretary to the federal government ( SGF)
This was contained in a letter the organisation wrote to the President and Commander In Chief of the Federal Republic of Nigeria
The details of the letter….. …
Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR
President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria
State House,Abuja, Nigeria
SUBJECT: REQUEST TO RETURN SUPERVISORY AUTHORITY OF NAHCON TO THE OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY TO THE GOVERNMENT OF THE FEDERATION
Your Excellency,I write to you as a concerned Nigerian citizen and Muslim who deeply values the welfare of our pilgrims and the integrity of Nigeria’s Hajj administration.
I respectfully urge you to review the current supervisory arrangement of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) and restore its day-to-day oversight to the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), while retaining its statutory link to the Presidency as mandated by law.
BACKGROUND
Since its establishment under the NAHCON Act 2006, the Commission has been entrusted with licensing, regulation, and supervision of Hajj and Umrah operations.
The Act places NAHCON “under the Presidency,” and historically this supervision has been exercised through the SGF—a structure that has enabled coordinated inter-ministerial collaboration (aviation, health,foreign affairs, security, etc.) and delivered measurable improvements in pilgrim welfare.
SUPPORT FROM Leadership
In a recent convening, the executives and board of TSANGAYA (Support transformation & EMPOWERMENT INITIATIVE) gathered and, after thorough deliberation, reached the same conclusion on the subject.
Their endorsement underscores the consensus among key stakeholders that returning NAHCON to SGF oversight will enhance efficiency, accountability, and continuity.
RATIONALE FOR RETURNING TO SGF Supervision.
1.Legal Compliance: The NAHCON Act 2006 designates the Presidency as the supervisory authority; the SGF functions as the Presidency’s coordinating arm, fulfilling this mandate.
2. Operational Efficiency: The SGF is constitutionally mandated to coordinate federal ministries,departments, and agencies, ensuring swift clearance of logistics, foreign-exchange approvals,and security arrangements.
3.Institutional Stability: Unlike an office tied to a political appointee, the SGF provide continuity across administrations, shielding NAHCON from undue political influence.
4. Enhanced Accountability: Clear reporting lines to the Presidency,Parliament, and auditors improve oversight and transparency.
5. Pilgrim Welfare: Proven track record (full slot utilization in 2023, cost-savings on accommodation, improved medical services) demonstrates that coordinated supervision yields better outcomes for pilgrims.
REQUESTI respectfully request that:
1. A formal review of NAHCON’s supervisory structure will be instituted, with terms of reference focusing on legal compliance, efficiency, and coordination.
2. The supervision of NAHCON be restored to the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, while affirming its status as a commission under the Presidency.
3. Any future proposal to relocate NAHCON be subjected to comprehensive stakeholder consultations, including state pilgrim boards, Islamic organizations, licensed operators, and civil society.
Your consideration of this request will safeguard the interests of hundreds of thousands of Nigerian pilgrims and reinforce Nigeria’s commitment to accountable governance.
Yours faithfully,GONI IBRAHIM GARBA
CHAIRMAN.
DR USMAN AHMAD
SECRETARY
