From Mustapha Adamu, Kano
The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has announced that it has disbursed the sum of N4,479,362,880.00 to State Pilgrims Welfare Boards, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and the Armed Forces for onward refund to pilgrims over poor services rendered to them during 2023 Hajj exercise.
NAHCON in a statement by Muhammad Ahmad Musa, Head, Public Affairs, said these funds are pertaining to the Masha’ir electricity services not rendered properly by the Saudi Authorities during the 2023 Hajj.
Musa said the Commission has refunded the sum of N917,148,479.99 to 192 accredited Tour Companies that participated in the 2023 Hajj.
The amount, according to him, is intended for onward disbursement to their respective pilgrims, while the remaining participating companies would also be refunded after due reconciliation.
He noted that the refund underscores NAHCON’s commitment, under the leadership of its Chairman/CEO, Professor Abdullahi Saleh Usman, to uphold transparency and accountability in the management of Hajj operations.
“All Pilgrims who participated in the 2023 Hajj are advised to contact their respective State Pilgrims’ Welfare Agencies, Boards and Commissions or Tour Operators to claim their refunds. Each Pilgrim, is entitled to receive a refund of N61,080.00. (Sixty One Thousand, Eighty Naira only).
“A detailed breakdown of the number of Pilgrims per State and the corresponding amounts is attached to this press statement,” he said.
However, Musa called on all 2025 Hajj intending pilgrims to promptly deposit their 2025 Hajj fares with their respective State Pilgrims Boards.
He explains: “This measure is essential to ensure the timely transmission of funds to NAHCON, thereby facilitating early arrangements of the 2025 Hajj in strict compliance with the guidelines set forth by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
“In the interest of transparency and due process, NAHCON calls upon the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), and other relevant security agencies to closely monitor the refund process.
“ This collaboration aims to ensure that all refunds are appropriately disbursed and reached the intended beneficiaries without any discrepancy.”
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