NAHCON disburses N5.3bn to 95,000 pilgrims for poor Hajj services

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has disbursed N5.3 billion to about 95,000 Nigerian pilgrims who performed the 2023 Hajj exercise.

While N4,479,362,880 was remitted to States’ Pilgrims’ Welfare Boards, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and the Armed Forces, N917,148,479.99 was disbursed to 192 accredited Tour Companies that participated in the 2023 Hajj.

NAHCON Head, Public Affairs, Muhammad Ahmad Musa, who disclosed this in a statement on Thursday said the refunds pertain to the “Masha’ir electricity services not rendered properly by the Saudi Authorities during the 2023 Hajj exercise”.

Musa noted that money 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”, the commission said.

Musa 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.

He noted that each Pilgrim is entitled to receive a refund of N61,080.00.

The Commission 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.

“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.”