Lagos Muslim Community Defends NAHCON Against ICPC’s High Corruption Risk Label

The Muslim Community of Lagos State (MCLS) has issued a strong statement rejecting the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission’s (ICPC) recent classification of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) as a “high corruption risk” agency.

In its press release, the MCLS commended NAHCON’s leadership under Chairman/CEO Abdullahi Saleh for maintaining transparency and taking proactive measures to address operational and procedural challenges. The group clarified that the ICPC’s report, based on its Ethics and Integrity Compliance Scorecard (ECIS), is a diagnostic tool rather than a corruption indictment.

The MCLS called on the public to view the ICPC’s findings in their proper context and urged the commission to refine its evaluation process to account for the unique operational challenges faced by agencies like NAHCON.

Below is the full press release:

Press Release:
MUSLIM COMMUNITY OF LAGOS STATE, MCLS CONDEMNS AND REJECTS IN ALL RAMIFICATIONS THE ICPC REPORT AND CLASSIFICATION OF NAHCON AS A CORRUPTION RISK AGENCY

December 22, 2024

The Lagos State Muslim Community unequivocally expresses its support for the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) regarding her stand on the recent classification by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) as a “high corruption risk” agency.

We commend NAHCON for its transparency and commitment to addressing this issue with clarity and responsibility, as highlighted in the detailed analysis by the public affairs team of NAHCON. The ICPC’s Ethics and Integrity Compliance Scorecard (ECIS) is not an indictment of corruption but a diagnostic tool aimed at identifying procedural lapses and encouraging improved compliance with established ethical and administrative standards.

The challenges faced by NAHCON, including three leadership changes within a year and operational complexities tied to managing Hajj Operations — one of the largest global religious gatherings, are undeniable. These factors, coupled with procedural hurdles such as delayed or incomplete ECIS submissions, explain the flagged status rather than any evidence of corruption.

As the Umbrella body of the Muslim Ummah in Lagos State, we recognise the proactive measures already implemented by NAHCON’s leadership under Chairman/CEO Abdullahi Saleh, including reinforcing adherence to financial rules and demanding compliance with institutional standards. Furthermore, NAHCON’s insistence on the ICPC monitoring tour operators’ and state boards’ pilgrim refunds demonstrates its unwavering commitment to transparency and accountability.

As members of the Muslim Ummah, we recognise the immense responsibility NAHCON shoulders in coordinating Hajj operations for thousands of Nigerian pilgrims. We urge the public to interpret the ICPC’s report in its proper context, appreciating that a “high corruption risk” label is not a declaration of guilt but an opportunity for improvement.

We also call on the ICPC to refine its assessment process to reflect the unique operational challenges faced by agencies like NAHCON. A focus on proven cases of misconduct, rather than procedural delays, will ensure a more balanced evaluation.

The Lagos State Muslim Community stands firmly with NAHCON and remains confident in its ability to overcome these procedural challenges while continuing to uphold the values of integrity and transparency in serving the Muslim Ummah.

Signed:
Mohammed Oyinlomo Danmole, President Lagos State Muslim Community

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