2023 Hajj: NAHCON disburses N5.3bn refunds to state pilgrim boards

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria on Thursday evening revealed that it disbursed a total sum of sum of N4,479,362,880 to state pilgrims welfare boards, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and the Armed Forces as refunds of Masha’ir electricity services not rendered to Nigerian pilgrims during the 2023 Hajj exercise.

In addition, the commission informed that the sum of N917,148,479.99 to 192 accredited tour companies that participated in the 2023 Hajj for the same purpose.

A statement signed by NAHCON’s Head, Public Affairs, Muhammad Ahmad Musa, made available to Tribune Online noted that the refund underscores the commission’s commitment to uphold transparency and accountability in the management of Hajj operations.

“The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) is hereby informing the public that it has disbursed refunds amounting to N4,479,362,880.00 (Four Billion, Four Hundred and Seventy-Nine Million, Three Hundred and Sixty-Two Thousand, Eight Hundred Eighty Naira) to States’ Pilgrims’ Welfare Boards, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and the Armed Forces.

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“These refunds pertain to the Masha’ir electricity services not rendered properly by the Saudi authorities during the 2023 Hajj exercise.

“In addition, the Commission has refunded a sum of N917,148,479.99 (Nine hundred and seventeen million, one hundred and forty-eight thousand, four hundred and seventy-nine Naira, ninety-nine kobo) to 192 accredited Tour Companies that participated in the 2023 Hajj.

“This amount is intended for onward disbursement to their respective pilgrims, while the remaining participating companies will also be refunded after due reconciliation.

“This 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,” Musa stated.

He then revealed that each Nigerian pilgrim that participated in the 2023 Hajj was to receive the sum of N61,080, adding that they should contact their respective state pilgrims welfare board or tour operators for collection of their refunds.

“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).”

Meanwhile, the commission called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and other security agencies to monitor the disbursement of the refunds with a view to ensuring that it gets to the right persons.

According to Musa, “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.”

In another development, the Hajj commission called upon intending pilgrims wishing to participate in the 2025 Hajj to promptly deposit their fares with their respective state pilgrims welfare boards.

“The Commission hereby calls upon 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.”

NIGERIAN TRIBUNE