A faith-based civil society organisation, Independent Hajj Reporters, has urged the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria and State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Boards to adopt an examination-based and merit-driven process for appointing Hajj officials, warning that poor selection practices continue to undermine service delivery to Nigerian pilgrims.
In a statement issued on Tuesday and signed by its National Coordinator, Ibrahim Muhammad, the organisation said the lack of proper screening and assessment of Hajj officials at both state and national levels has negatively affected the quality of services rendered to pilgrims in Saudi Arabia.
Independent Hajj Reporters called on state pilgrim boards to resist political pressure in the selection of Hajj assistants, insisting that only tested, trained and competent individuals should be appointed, rather than political loyalists who, it said, often compound challenges during the pilgrimage.
The group expressed concern over reports that some officials appointed for the 2025 Hajj, who reportedly enjoyed the same services as pilgrims who paid up to ₦8.5 million, still protested over what they described as inadequate Basic Travelling Allowance while in Saudi Arabia. According to the organisation, such conduct highlights the urgent need for stricter and more transparent selection procedures.
It warned that the embarrassment witnessed during the 2025 Hajj must not be repeated, stressing that Nigeria, as one of more than 162 countries participating in the annual pilgrimage, must protect its international image.
Drawing attention to global best practices, Independent Hajj Reporters noted that Pakistan’s Ministry of Religious Affairs conducts competitive examinations through the National Testing Service, including written tests, interviews and physical assessments, to ensure merit-based selection of Hajj officials. It added that Bangladesh also operates a competency-based system with clearly defined criteria, quotas and annual schedules.
The organisation therefore urged the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria to introduce a formal examination and screening process for Hajj officials and to require successful candidates to sign undertakings that clearly define their duration of assignment, scope of duties and entitlements, in order to enhance support for Nigerian pilgrims in Saudi Arabia.
