NAHCON refunds N5.3bn to States, tour operators over poor Hajj service in 2023
Omeiza Bilal
The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), is hereby informing the public that it has disbursed refunds amounting to N4,479,362,880.00 to States’ Pilgrims’ Welfare Boards, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and the Armed Forces. These refunds pertain to the Masha’ir electricity services not rendered properly by the Saudi Authorities during the 2023 Hajj exercise.
In a statement, Head, Public Affairs, NAHCON, Muhammad Ahmad Musa, the Commission refunded the sum of N917,148,479.99 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.
“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.
“The Commission hereby calls upon all 2025 Hajj intending Pilgrims to promptly deposit their 2025 Hajj fares with their respective State Pilgrims Welfare Agencies, Boards and Commissions. This measure is essential to ensure the timely transmission of funds to NAHCON, thereby facilitating the 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,” the Commission said.
