IHR Calls for Exam-Based Appointment of Hajj Officials to Improve Pilgrims’ Welfare

The Independent Hajj Reporters (IHR), a registered faith-based civil society organisation, has urged the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) and State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Boards to adopt an examination-based, merit-driven process for the appointment of Hajj officials, warning that the current practice undermines service delivery to Nigerian pilgrims.

In a statement signed on Tuesday by its National Coordinator, Ibrahim Muhammad, the organisation said the absence of structured screening and assessment mechanisms at both state and national levels has contributed significantly to operational lapses experienced by Nigerian pilgrims during the annual pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia.

According to IHR, political considerations often outweigh competence in the selection of Hajj officials, leading to the appointment of unqualified aides who lack the requisite training and experience to support pilgrims effectively.

“State pilgrim boards must resist political pressure and stop transporting political foot soldiers as Hajj assistants. Such individuals often create more problems than they solve during the pilgrimage,” Muhammad said.

The group also expressed concern over reported incidents during the 2025 Hajj where some appointed officials, despite enjoying the same services as pilgrims who paid up to ₦8.5 million, allegedly protested over what they termed inadequate Basic Travelling Allowance (BTA).

IHR described the development as embarrassing and avoidable, stressing that Nigeria’s conduct during Hajj is closely watched as one of over 162 countries participating in the pilgrimage.

“The embarrassment witnessed during the 2025 Hajj must not be repeated. Such actions dent Nigeria’s image and reflect poor management and selection processes,” the statement added.

Drawing comparisons with international best practices, IHR noted that Pakistan’s Ministry of Religious Affairs conducts competitive examinations for Hajj officials through its National Testing Service (NTS), including written tests, interviews and physical assessments. Similarly, Bangladesh operates a transparent, competency-based selection and training framework, with clearly published criteria, quotas and timelines.

The organisation therefore called on NAHCON to institutionalise a formal screening system anchored on examinations and structured interviews. It also recommended that successful candidates be required to sign undertakings clearly outlining their duration of assignment, scope of duties, entitlements and codes of conduct.

According to IHR, such reforms are critical to ensuring professionalism, accountability and improved welfare services for Nigerian pilgrims during Hajj operations in Saudi Arabia.