No scam in our 2019 hajj operations, says Med-View

• Denies diverting $900,000

Med-View Airlines has said there is no scam in the airline’s Hajj operations of 2019.

The airline made the clarification in reaction to the recent invitation of its Chief Executive Officer, Alhaji Muneer Bankole.

In a statement by its Executive Director, Business Development, Mr Isiaq Na’Allah, the airline said the invitation of the Managing Director by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) was to shed light on the 2019 operations and the contract with the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON).
The airline emphasised that there was no scam or diversion of funds meant for the 2019 Hajj airlift, and said the funds were utilised for necessary preparations, including aircraft maintenance and payment to service providers.
The airline the money ($900,000) was paid directly by NAHCON to two service providers in Saudi Arabia namely General Authority of Aviation ($400,000 and Taibah Airports Development Company ($500,000) on July 5, 2019.
The statement said, “In spite of deft moves by some highly placed persons to frustrate the airline from the operations with late release of funds, Medview Airline airlifted 4,387 pilgrims from Kaduna, Yobe and Ogun States. The Pilgrims Boards in those states are living witnesses of the operation”.
The airline added that in line with the terms of the contract with NAHCON, a presidential committee was raised to reconcile the differences in payment to Medview Airline and the number of pilgrims airlifted, and this later led to a ministerial committee, where all issues were resolved.
“It is therefore strange for somebody to wake up and go to the rooftop armed trumpets and cymbal for a non-existent scam or diversion of funds all to smear Medview Airline Plc.
“Medview Airline is resolute to return to its leadership role in Hajj operations.”