Connect with us

NEWS

Mismanagement: NAHCON Faces N15bn Debt To Hajj Operators

Published

on

The Association for Hajj and Umrah Operators of Nigeria (AHUON) has raised serious concerns regarding a staggering debt of over N15 billion owed to its members by the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON).

This alarming revelation was made by AHUON President Abdullateef Ekundayo in a statement released on Saturday in Abuja.

Ekundayo explained that it is customary for the Saudi government to issue refunds to participating countries after each Hajj season based on three specific criteria: services paid for but not rendered, services that were poorly delivered, and security deposits for tents.

Read More: How I Cope With Pains Of Losing Loved Ones – Davido

He emphasized that NAHCON owes its members refunds related to these categories from the 2022 Hajj operations to the present.

The AHUON President disclosed that NAHCON confirmed receiving 20 million Saudi Riyals in refunds from Saudi authorities as early as December 2023.

However, he criticized the commission for failing to formally notify the operators about this refund or discuss payment modalities.

“If not for the EFCC’s investigation into the commission, we wouldn’t have known about this payment,” he said, expressing frustration at the lack of communication.

Further complicating matters, Ekundayo highlighted that during the recently concluded 2024 Hajj operations, NAHCON received and retained over N2.7 billion in caution deposits from tour operators.

According to their agreement, these funds were to be released two weeks after the Hajj’s conclusion, but NAHCON has not refunded any of the companies that applied for it.

Instead, they have reportedly requested additional payments for the 2023 Hajj deposits.

The AHUON President lamented that many members have passed away while waiting for these refunds and expressed concern over the commission’s failure to publish a list of companies eligible for refunds, as previously agreed upon.

He pointed out that some members have significant balances in their Saudi accounts that remain inaccessible, adding, “Our members receive nothing as income from the amounts we deposit annually.”

In response to these allegations, NAHCON has stated that it is committed to addressing the concerns raised by AHUON.

The commission’s Assistant Director of Public Affairs, Mrs. Fatima Usara, acknowledged the issues regarding accumulated refunds and emphasized that NAHCON has maintained ongoing communication with AHUON.

She attributed the delays in resolving financial matters to the complexities involved in Hajj operations, which require coordination with multiple stakeholders, both domestically and internationally.

“NAHCON wishes to reassure AHUON and the public that it has no intention of downplaying or neglecting the issue of refunds,” Usara added, as both parties seek a resolution to this pressing financial dispute.

NEWS

FCT Police Chief Inspects Worship Centres, Commends Residents for Peaceful Conduct

Published

on

Governors Contributing To Political Violence

The Commissioner of Police, Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Command, CP Ahmed Muhammad Sanusi, has inspected security deployments at churches across the territory, urging officers to maintain professionalism and vigilance during religious activities.

The inspection was disclosed in a statement issued on Sunday by the FCT Police Public Relations Officer, SP Josephine Adeh.

Sanusi conducted the inspection on November 8, 2026, to assess the operational readiness of personnel deployed to worship centres and evaluate security arrangements for residents and worshippers.

SEE ALSO: October 1 Protests: FCT Police Call For Increased Vigilance Among Residents

The exercise followed a similar inspection of mosques across the FCT on Friday, November 6, as the Command sustained efforts to strengthen security around religious centres.

During the visits, the police commissioner charged officers to remain professional and responsive in the discharge of their duties.

He also commended residents for their peaceful and orderly conduct following mosque and church services, noting that public cooperation remained essential to maintaining security and public order across the territory.

The commissioner urged residents to continue cooperating with the police and other law enforcement agencies, remain security-conscious and promptly report suspicious persons, movements or activities to the nearest police station.

He further encouraged residents to utilise the Command’s emergency lines, 08032003913 and 08061581938, to report security concerns.

Adeh said the Command’s Public Relations Office remained open and accessible to members of the public for enquiries, complaints, information and other security-related matters.

The FCT Police Command reiterated its commitment to protecting residents and worshippers and maintaining security across the Federal Capital Territory.

Continue Reading

NEWS

2027: Shettima Arrives in Uyo for APC Presidential Campaign Rally

Published

on

Who is Senator Kashim Shetima, Tinubu's running mate

Vice President Kashim Shettima has arrived in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital, for the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential campaign rally ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The development was disclosed on Friday by Stanley Nkwocha, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications in the Office of the Vice President.

Akwa Ibom occupies a strategic position in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, with major federal investments expected to strengthen infrastructure and economic activities across the state.

SEE ALSO: 2027: Shettima Arrives in Lafia to Rally Support for Tinubu’s Re-election

One of the major projects is the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Highway, which has an approximately 82.8-kilometre stretch passing through Akwa Ibom.

The project, according to the statement, “promises improved connectivity, expanded trade, greater investment and new economic opportunities for communities across the region.”

Beyond infrastructure, the administration’s interventions in education, agriculture, healthcare, youth empowerment and social protection are also designed to improve livelihoods and broaden economic participation.

The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFund) is among the initiatives highlighted, complementing Governor Umo Eno’s investments in roads, aviation, tourism and human capital development.

The statement noted that the Uyo rally provides “another opportunity to strengthen the APC’s growing political presence in the South-South and make the case for continuity in 2027.”

 

 

Continue Reading

NEWS

Elohor Aiboni Honoured with DTN@100 Changemaker Award

Published

on

Executive Vice President and Country Chair, Shell Companies in Nigeria, Elohor Aiboni was among 100 people honoured with the DTN@100 Award.

She joined a list of distinguished recipients recognised by the Daily Times newspapers. The contributions of the awardees to national development will be documented in a special publication, titled Nigerian Grand Book.

Daily Times which started publication in 1926 gave the awards as part of its centenary celebrations in Lagos. The centenary theme is: “Honouring the Past, Shaping the Future.” Chairman, Folio Media Group and Publisher Daily Times of Nigeria Fidelis Anosike said: “We proudly celebrate Elohor Aiboni, Executive Vice President and Country Chair of Shell Companies in Nigeria, for her well-deserved recognition at the Daily Times Heroes Award. As a visionary female leader, Elohor has shown that true leadership is defined by action. Her forward-thinking policies continue to drive real, positive change across our nation.”

In her response, Elohor said: “Although this award is presented to me, I do not regard it as mine alone. I share it with my colleagues across the Shell Companies in Nigeria, our partners, and the many people I have had the privilege of working with and learning from over the years.”

Elohor was commended for her achievements in a career in the energy industry that started in Shell in 2002. In addition to serving in operational roles within and outside Nigeria, she has worked as asset manager for Bonga, leading up to her appointment as Managing Director of Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company Limited (SNEPCo) in 2021, the first female to hold the post. Early this year, she took up the role of Executive Vice President and Country Chair, Shell Companies in Nigeria, also the first female and Nigerian to hold both roles.

READ ALSO: “8216;The Panic Is Real” Atiku Accuses APC of Plot to Weaken ADC

In her acceptance speech, Elohor also called for concerted efforts towards educating the girl-child. She said: “If we are serious about shaping Nigeria’s future, we must be equally serious about educating and empowering the Nigerian girl child. Education provides not only knowledge, but also confidence, choice and the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to her community and country.”
Photo Caption – L-R: Energy and Investment Solicitor, Sam Aiboni; Executive Vice President and Country Chair, Shell Nigeria, Elohor Aiboni; actress Rita Dominic; and Daily Times Chairman, Fidelis Anosike, during the award presentation at Harbour Point, Lagos.

Continue Reading

Copyright © 2022. Biztellers, powered by Alphaxristi.

0
Would love your thoughts, please comment.x
()
x