IG Wala calls for disbandment of NAHCON

Prominent activist, Comrade IG Wala, has issued a scathing critique of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), calling for its disbandment and accusing it of fostering corruption, lawlessness, and economic sabotage within the Hajj industry.

In an open letter addressed to the Vice President of Nigeria on April 17, 2025, Wala argued that NAHCON’s dual role as both regulator and operator in the Hajj sector undermines transparency and good governance. He insisted that no government agency should function as a referee and a player in the same arena, especially in a sector as sensitive and economically viable as religious pilgrimage.

“Until NAHCON is disbanded, there will never be an end to corruption and lawlessness,” Wala stated. “A regulator cannot also be an operator in the same sector. That structure is fundamentally flawed.”

According to him, the decision to assign operational duties to NAHCON was poorly thought out and reflects a lack of foresight on the part of those who drafted its mandate. He argued that such an arrangement stifles economic growth by denying private sector operators—such as travel agencies, logistics providers, and airline companies—the opportunity to thrive and contribute meaningfully to the country’s GDP.

“There is a huge value chain in the Hajj sector,” he noted. “From transportation to accommodation and catering services, this sector could employ millions if managed well by private operators. But when NAHCON assumes all roles, it kills competition and productivity.”

He likened NAHCON’s overreach to that of the now-defunct NNPC monopoly, suggesting that allowing private operators while NAHCON maintains regulatory oversight would better serve the country. He emphasized that challenges in service delivery—such as poor accommodation and transportation—should be addressed through reforms and supervision, not by government takeovers.

Wala further warned that NAHCON has become a cesspool of entrenched corruption, where appointees are forced to conform to “existing corrupt norms.” He described the commission’s annual pilgrimage operations as a money-spinning empire controlled by a few individuals who manage billions of naira meant for short-term services.

“If this continues, it won’t be long before Saudi authorities introduce their own centralized platform, stripping Nigeria of the economic value currently derived from the pilgrimage. That would render NAHCON almost irrelevant,” he warned.

Wala called on the Nigerian government to act decisively and return NAHCON to its original role as a regulator. He urged policy makers to prioritize accountability and economic growth over personal influence and short-term political decisions.