The Muslim Community of Lagos State (MCLS) has rejected in strong terms the recent classification of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) as a “high corruption risk” agency by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).
In a statement signed by its President, Mohammed Oyinlomo Danmole, MCLS expressed its unwavering support for NAHCON and commended its leadership for maintaining transparency and accountability.
The ICPC’s Ethics and Integrity Compliance Scorecard (ECIS), which ranked NAHCON unfavorably, was described by MCLS as a diagnostic tool rather than an indictment of corruption.
According to the group, the findings reflect procedural lapses rather than any evidence of misconduct.
Danmole noted that the challenges faced by NAHCON, including three leadership transitions within a year and the operational complexities of managing Hajj operations—one of the largest global religious gatherings—were key factors contributing to the flagged classification.
He further explained that procedural hurdles, such as delayed or incomplete ECIS submissions, likely influenced the ICPC’s report.
“The challenges faced by NAHCON are undeniable, but they do not translate to corruption. Instead, they highlight areas for procedural improvement,” the statement read.
The MCLS praised NAHCON under the leadership of Chairman/CEO Abdullahi Saleh for taking proactive steps to address compliance issues, including reinforcing adherence to financial rules and institutional standards. The commission’s insistence on ICPC monitoring of refunds to pilgrims through tour operators and state boards was cited as evidence of its commitment to accountability.
“As members of the Muslim Ummah, we recognize the immense responsibility NAHCON shoulders in coordinating Hajj operations for thousands of Nigerian pilgrims. The ICPC’s classification should not be misconstrued as a declaration of guilt but as an opportunity for procedural improvement,” the statement continued.
The group also called on the ICPC to refine its assessment processes to account for the unique challenges faced by agencies like NAHCON. It emphasized the need for a balanced evaluation that focuses on proven cases of misconduct rather than procedural delays.
Reaffirming its support for NAHCON, the Lagos Muslim Community expressed confidence in the agency’s ability to overcome the flagged challenges and continue its mission of serving the Muslim Ummah with integrity and transparency.
