Reps Clear N6.6bn NAHCON Budget for Review, Stress Accountability
By Abdulrazaq Auwal
The House of Representatives Committee on Muslim Pilgrims has endorsed the proposed N6.6 billion 2026 budget of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) for further legislative review.
The Chairman of NAHCON, Ambassador Ismail Abba Yusuf, appeared before the committee on Tuesday in Abuja to defend the commission’s spending plan.
During the session, he presented an overview of the commission’s 2025 budget performance, setting the context for the new proposal.
Providing a detailed breakdown, NAHCON’s Director of Finance and Administration, Aminu Mohammed, disclosed that N4.4 billion has been allocated for capital expenditure, while N1.1 billion each is designated for personnel costs and overhead expenses.
The lawmakers, led by Committee Chairman Mohammed Jafaru Ali and Muhammed Buba Jajere, raised concerns over the need to reinforce monitoring and evaluation mechanisms to enhance transparency, accountability, and operational efficiency in the commission’s activities.
Despite the concerns, the committee adopted a motion moved by on. Leko Jafaru to accept the proposal for further consideration.
Jafaru Muhammed noted that Ambassador Yusuf is still settling into office and assured members that the committee would subject the budget to thorough scrutiny in subsequent stages.
Members of the committee also urged NAHCON’s management to operate cohesively, uphold due process, and demonstrate integrity in the discharge of their responsibilities.
They emphasized that the Hajj operation remains both a national obligation and a fundamental religious duty.
