Committee Report Condemns Zamfara Hajj Officials

On Thursday, the Zamfara State 2023 Hajj Delegation Committee returned from Saudi Arabia and delivered a scathing report to Governor Dauda Lawal at the Government House. The report strongly recommends a complete overhaul of the state’s Hajj Commission (ZAHCOM).

Alhaji Musa Mallaha (Talban Gusau), the Chairman of the delegation, informed the Governor that not only had ZAHCOM allowed criminals to participate in the annual Hajj exercise, but also certain officials had devised methods to misappropriate government and pilgrims’ funds for personal gain.

In a press statement issued by the Governor’s spokesperson, Sulaiman Bala Idris, the report offers an extensive analysis of the Zamfara State 2023 Hajj operation, outlining significant achievements, challenges, and proposed solutions.

The statement noted, “The report encompasses various facets of the Hajj exercise, including committee memberships, workforce, financial expenditures, and pilgrims’ deposit verification.

“The delegation’s report also lauds several accomplishments, such as the successful repatriation of 3102 pilgrims to Nigeria, effective collaboration with the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria, and the establishment of sub-committees that streamlined the operation.

“The report also acknowledges the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with a service provider offering transportation, tent provision, and accommodation services to Zamfara pilgrims in Saudi Arabia.

“Among the challenges identified by the delegation are the absence of proper documentation and record-keeping systems, non-compliance among local government areas, inadequate screening procedures, the inclusion of criminals in the Hajj exercise, discrepancies in the BTA allowance, fund diversion, and the operation of multiple bank accounts, causing confusion and potential misuse of funds.

“The report strongly recommends a complete restructuring of the Zamfara Hajj Commission (ZAHCOM).

“Upon receiving the report, Governor Lawal expressed his disappointment regarding the misconduct of certain ZAHCOM staff in mishandling pilgrims’ and public funds, including the alarming number of missing pilgrims’ deposits and financial improprieties.

“The Governor reasserted his administration’s commitment to implementing the delegation’s recommendations and assured that necessary actions will be taken in the coming days.”