NAHCON Returns N5.4 Billion to 2023 Hajj Pilgrims (See Detailed Breakdown)
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NAHCON Returns N5.4 Billion to 2023 Hajj Pilgrims (See Detailed Breakdown)
By Alabidun Shuaib AbdulRahman
The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has disbursed a total of N5.4 billion in refunds to pilgrims who participated in the 2023 Hajj exercise, INCNews247 can report.
The Commission’s Head of Public Affairs, Muhammad Ahmad Musa, confirmed the development in a statement on Thursday, noting the refunds are for poor services rendered by the Saudi authorities, particularly the interruption of electricity supply during the Masha’ir camping, which affected the cooling systems and caused inconvenience to the pilgrims.
According to NAHCON, the refunds totaling N4,479,362,880.00 were disbursed to States’ Pilgrims’ Welfare Boards, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), and the Armed Forces.
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Musa added that 192 accredited Tour Companies that participated in the 2023 Hajj received a refund of N917,148,479.99, which is intended for onward disbursement to their respective pilgrims.
INCNews247 further learnt each pilgrim is entitled to receive a refund of N61,080.00.
NAHCON advised all pilgrims who participated in the 2023 Hajj to contact their respective State Pilgrims’ Welfare Agencies, Boards, and Commissions or Tour Operators to claim their refunds.
The Commission also called on all 2025 Hajj intending pilgrims to promptly deposit their 2025 Hajj fares with their respective State Pilgrims Boards.
“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,” the statement reads in part.
In the interest of transparency and due process, NAHCON, therefore, called 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.
