Hajj 2024: Alleged N90 Billion Subsidy Fraud – CISLAC Applauds ICPC Probe

From Abdullahi Alhassan, Kaduna

The Executive Director of the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC), Auwal Musa Rafsanjani, has commended the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) for launching an investigation into the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) over allegations of misappropriating N90 billion in Hajj subsidies.

In a statement, Rafsanjani expressed alarm over the reported widespread looting during the recent Hajj exercise, especially given the religious significance of the event.

Despite significant payments and federal subsidies, many pilgrims reportedly received substandard treatment, raising serious concerns about NAHCON’s management of funds.

“We commend the ICPC’s efforts to expose this monumental fraud and urge them to ensure that corruption is rooted out of our public institutions,” Rafsanjani stated.

CISLAC’s concerns are heightened by Nigeria’s ongoing struggle with corruption, reflected in the country’s rank of 150 out of 180 on the 2023 Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) by Transparency International. This score highlights the urgent need for reforms in the public sector.

Rafsanjani, who also heads Transparency International Nigeria (TI-Nigeria), noted that persistent fraud and institutional failures have deepened the nation’s poverty crisis.

“With over 133 million Nigerians living in multidimensional poverty, according to recent National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) figures, the diversion of public funds meant for citizens’ welfare has exacerbated the nation’s socio-economic challenges,” he added.

He condemned the actions of corrupt public officials, attributing Nigeria’s current state to their “wickedness,” and called for a concerted effort to restore trust, integrity, and dignity to the nation’s public institutions.

“With the ICPC’s investigation underway, CISLAC and other civil society organizations are hopeful that this case will serve as a turning point in the fight against corruption in Nigeria, ensuring accountability and justice for the millions who suffer from corrupt practices,” Rafsanjani concluded.