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The House of Representatives has called for the suspension of Hajj Saving Scheme by National Hajj Commission of Nigeria, NAHCON.
In a motion by a member from Katsina State, Aminu Ashiru-Mani, the house of representatives said there is urgent need to investigate the Hajj saving scheme.
The lawmaker explained that the scheme was established in 2006 for intending Muslim pilgrims to save towards performing the Hajj.
Mr Ashiru-Mani, stated that within two years of NAHCON’S partnership with JA’IZ Bank to assist intending pilgrims to save under the scheme, the customer base hit over four thousand with one billion naira saving in the account.
He expressed concern that there is alleged lack of transparency and accountability in the savings scheme.
If this is not tackled according to him, it would lead to corruption in the system and disregard for the extant law.
Contributing to the debate, the deputy speaker Mr Abdullahi Wase, explained that for more than two years, intending pilgrims have been contributing to the scheme but were unable to perform the Hajj due to COVID-19.
Wase alleged that against their own Act, the Hajj Commission are dipping into the funds.
Adopting the motion, the house mandated its committee on pilgrims affairs to investigate the hajj saving scheme.
The House also mandated the committee to review the entire agreement between NAHCON and JA’IZ Bank and report back to the house within two weeks.
