Hajj 2021: 1964 Intending Pilgrims to get deposit refund

By Stanley Onyekwere

A total of 1964 intending Pilgrims for the 2021 Hajj from Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory  (FCT) will receive refund of their money deposited, following cancellation of the exercise for foreign nationals, by Saudi Arabian government.

Making this disclosure, the Federal Capital Territory Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board( FCT-MPWB), said only those wh made deposit in respect of 2021 hajj and are desirous to collect their money are expected to be refunded.

According to a recent statement from the Board’s spokesperson, Muhammad Lawal Aliyu, the planned refund, was pursuant to directive by the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NHCON).

Lawal disclosed that those who intend to roll over their deposit to next year’s hajj can preserve their money with the Board in respect of 2022 hajj exercise and get the advantage of getting first priority position during the registration.

He added that those willing to collect their deposits to forward their application for the refund stating their bank account details to the Director of the Board and attach original receipt of payment to process the refund as no cash payment would be entertained for the refunds.

The statement read: “The FCT Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board is set to commence the refunds to its Intending Pilgrims who made deposit in respect of 2021 hajj and are desirous to collect their money.

“A total of 1964 Intending Pilgrims who made the deposit to participate in the hajj that could not hold are free to collect their money if they wish as directed by the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria.

“The application for the refund can be submitted to respective Area Officers in the Area Council where the initial deposit was made.

“Pilgrims who have no Bank Account are expected to forward a letter authorizing the Board to pay the money into a third party’s Bank Account with details duly provided by the depositor”.