2023 hajj participants from Lagos to get N223m refund

Lagos State Muslims Pilgrims Welfare Board has put necessary machinery in place to refund the sum of N223, 003,080.00 to the pilgrims who performed the Y2023 Holy pilgrimage exercise in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia through the state.

This was disclosed by the Board Secretary, Mr. Saheed Onipede, in a statement by the Public Affairs Officer, Taofeek Lawal. Onipede confirmed that the state was in possession of N223 million being the refund for services not rendered by the Saudi authorities during the pilgrimage exercise.

According to him, each of the 3,651 pilgrims/beneficiaries is entitled to a sum of N61, 080.00, adding that the refund, which was facilitated by the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), became necessary in order to assuage the pilgrims over the inconveniences they experienced during the exercise.

The board’s scribe stressed that for the beneficiaries to collect the refund, some requirements must be fulfilled.

“The beneficiaries who are still alive (I’m Alive pilgrims) are to supply an application letter, photocopies of the data page of international passport, Nigeria/Saudi Immigration stamped page (in-bound and out-bound) and account details.

“For the deceased pilgrims, their families are expected to produce the death certificate of the deceased pilgrim, particulars of the next of kin as indicated in the Hajj form, sworn affidavit as well as Nigeria/Saudi Immigration stamped page (in-bound and out-bound),” the statement explained.

While noting the concerns and apprehension from some quarters over the refund, Onipede stated that the state was committed to ensuring that each of the beneficiaries get the refund in a seamless and stress-free manner, adding that as the centre of excellence, the state would not deny its pilgrims their rights and privileges in any way.

Recall that in November 2024, NAHCON informed the general public of the disbursement of N4.479 billion to the states’ Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Boards (SMPWB), the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), the Armed Forces and accredited Tour Operators Companies, in respect of services not rendered properly by the Saudi Arabian Authorities to the 2023 Hajj pilgrims especially at Muna and Arafah.