2020 Hajj: FCT MPWB refunds N74.5M to 74 intending pilgrims

By Stanley Onyekwere

The Federal Capital Territory Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board (FCT-MPWB), said it has so far refunded the sum of Seventy Four Million, Five Hundred and Forty Nine Thousand Naira (N74,549,000.00) to intending Pilgrims for the 2020 Hajj operations, who requested to collect back their deposit.
The Board disclosed that a total of 74 intending pilgrims, who made deposit to the Board in respect of the 2020 Hajj that could not hold due to Covid -19 pandemic have so far collected their money.
This was disclosed by the Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the Board, Muhammad Lawal Aliyu, yesterday in a statement made available to newsmen, in Abuja.
It explained that the refund of money collected is a continuous exercise, but emphasised the need for early declaration of interest in order not to derail preparation for the forthcoming Hajj operation.
However, the Board advised intending pilgrims, who have made deposit and are still willing to collect their money to do so before the end of this month as it’s finalizing arrangements for the commencement of registration for 2021 Hajj exercise from 9th of September as directed by the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON).
The statement adds: “All deposits not claimed would automatically be rolled-over as deposit against 2021 Hajj exercise.
“Prospective intending Pilgrims who wish to perform the 2021 Hajj through the Board can deposit a minimum of N1,000,000.00 (one million Naira) only via a Bank Draft payable to the “FCT Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board Abuja” before the release of the actual fare by the Federal Government.
“All intending pilgrims who are yet to return their completed application forms or submit their International Passport to do so to enable the Board facilitate early registration formalities and process their travel documents.”