By Deji Abdulwahab
Abuja, Dec. 18, 2025 (NAN) – The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has issued a firm rebuttal against circulating claims, labeling them as “false and misleading.” The commission categorically denies seeking or applying a rollover approval from the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) for 2025 Hajj service providers to be automatically retained for the 2026 pilgrimage.
In a detailed statement released by Ahmad Muazu, Technical Assistant (Media) to the commission’s Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, NAHCON addressed what it termed a “persistent misrepresentation” of its procurement strategy for the upcoming Hajj operations.
“For the avoidance of doubt, NAHCON did not at any time request for a rollover of contracts from the BPP,” Muazu stated unequivocally.
Emergency Procurement: A Legal and Logistical Imperative
Muazu clarified that the decision to forgo a fresh open bidding process for certain 2026 services was driven by two critical, non-negotiable factors:
- The Fixed Saudi Arabian Timeline: The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia issues a unified, strict calendar for all participating countries. This schedule is immutable and allows minimal time for lengthy international procurement exercises.
- BPP Advertisement Rules: Standard bidding processes require mandatory advertisement periods, which are incompatible with the compressed timeline set by Saudi authorities.
This approach, NAHCON asserts, is not an administrative shortcut but a lawful application of Section 43 of the Public Procurement Act 2007. This section provides for emergency procurement procedures when time constraints imposed by circumstances make standard tender processes impracticable. “The Saudi Hajj calendar is fixed, non-negotiable, and applies equally to all Hajj missions globally. Nigeria is not an exception,” Muazu emphasized.
Performance, Not Presumption: The Basis for Re-engagement
A key distinction made by the commission is that re-engagement under emergency protocols is not synonymous with automatic renewal. Muazu outlined a rigorous post-2025 Hajj evaluation process that directly informs 2026 decisions:
- Performance Reviews: Detailed assessments of each service provider’s delivery in 2025.
- Service Evaluations: Analysis of service quality, reliability, and compliance.
- Pilgrim Satisfaction Assessments: Feedback from Nigerian pilgrims themselves.
“Based on these findings, NAHCON is under no obligation to retain identical contractual terms, scope or volume arrangements previously applied in 2025,” he stated. This means service providers from 2025 may be reconsidered, but their contracts can be—and likely will be—modified based on past performance, or they may be replaced entirely.
Guiding Principles and a Warning Against Misinformation
Muazu reiterated that NAHCON’s actions remain anchored in its core principles: transparency, accountability, value for money, and quality service for Nigerian pilgrims. Final selections for 2026 will be informed by past performance, operational capacity, compliance history, and the proven ability to meet stringent Saudi regulatory requirements within the tight deadline.
The statement concluded with a stern warning against exploiting the emergency context to undermine the commission’s mandate or mislead the public. NAHCON encouraged all stakeholders with legitimate concerns to utilize its formal channels for complaints and clarification, highlighting established mechanisms for dispute resolution and a commitment to fair hearing.
“Constructive engagement, not misinformation, is the path to strengthening Nigeria’s Hajj administration and safeguarding the welfare of pilgrims,” Muazu affirmed.
(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
ADA/KAE
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Edited by Kadiri Abdulrahman
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