The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has announced ongoing efforts to ensure the disbursement of refunds to pilgrims from previous Hajj seasons. This follows the receipt of refunds from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for services not rendered during the unspecified Hajj seasons.
In October, NAHCON acknowledged the receipt of SR 20,716,035.2 (twenty million Saudi Riyals, seven hundred and sixteen thousand, thirty-five point two Halalas) in five tranches. However, the lack of accompanying details regarding the reasons for these refunds, the specific recipients, and the amounts due to each pilgrim has delayed the distribution process.
Professor Abdullahi Saleh Usman, Chairman of NAHCON, has appealed for patience from the pilgrims and the public as the commission works to resolve the issue of the total amount received, only SR 150 per pilgrim, related to electricity supply in Masha’ir locations for the 95,000 pilgrims who participated in the 2023 Hajj, has been explained and disbursed.
Fatima Sanda Usara, Assistant Director, Information and Publication Division said the amounts SR 14,250,000, has been handed over to State Pilgrims’ Welfare Boards and Private Tour Operators for onward distribution.
“NAHCON is awaiting clarification on the remaining SR 6,466,035.15. The commission has sent multiple requests to the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah seeking details to ensure proper allocation of the funds. During a recent visit to Saudi Arabia, Professor Usman and his delegation pursued further explanations from relevant authorities” he said
Professor Usman assures affected pilgrims that once the commission receives the necessary details, including beneficiaries, reasons for refunds, and the specific amounts due, the remaining funds will be disbursed promptly and transparently.
