Zamfara state governor, Dauda Lawal has expressed dismay over the actions of some staff of the Zamfara Hajj Commission, ZAHCOM, over alleged misuse of pilgrims’ deposits and other financial scandals.
The governor, in a statement by Sulaiman Bala Idris, his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity expressed sadness over the discovery when he received 2023 Hajj report from the Zamfara State Government delegation at the Hajj operations, led by lhaji Musa Mallaha at the Government House, Gusau on Thursday.
He said the governor expressed great dismay on the actions of the officials and other challenges, such as lack of proper documentation and record-keeping systems; and lack of compliance among LGAs.
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“Other challenges include the poor scrutiny process, allowing criminals to participate in Hajj; issues with the BTA allowance, such as reduced amount and diversion of funds; as well as operations of numerous bank accounts, leading to confusion and potential misuse of funds,” part of the statement reads.
The report, according to the statement, provides a comprehensive overview of the Zamfara State 2023 Hajj exercise, highlighting key achievements, challenges, and recommendations.
According to the spokesperson of the governor, the report was submitted by the chairman of the Zamfara State delegation to Saudi Arabia, A
He noted that the submitted report covers various aspects, including the organization of the Hajj exercise, committee membership, staff strengths, financial expenditures, and the verification of pilgrims’ deposits.
He said: “While receiving the report, Governor Lawal has reiterated his administration’s readiness to implement the recommendations made by the delegation, assuring that within the coming days, the government would take necessary actions.
“The Governor expressed great dismay on the actions of some staff of the Zamfara Hajj Commission (ZAHCOM) over misuse of pilgrims’ and public funds, including large numbers of missing pilgrims’ deposits and financial scandals.
“The delegation’s report highlighted notable achievements, including the successful airlifting of the 3102 pilgrims back to Nigeria, coordination with the Hajj Commission management, and the establishment of sub-committees that facilitated smooth operations.
“The report further acknowledges the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with a company providing services to Zamfara pilgrims, which includes transportation, provision of tents, and accommodation.
“Among the challenges reported by the delegation are the lack of proper documentation and record-keeping systems; and lack of compliance among LGAs.
“Other challenges include the poor scrutiny process, allowing criminals to participate in Hajj; issues with the BTA allowance, such as reduced amount and diversion of funds; as well as operations of numerous bank accounts, leading to confusion and potential misuse of funds.
“The report recommended a total overhaul of the Zamfara Hajj Commission (ZAHCOM),” the statement concluded.
