The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has announced the disbursement of N5.3 billion in refunds to various stakeholders following the poorly rendered services during the 2023 Hajj exercise.
This move aims to compensate Pilgrims and tour operators affected by the substandard services, specifically regarding Masha’ir electricity provisions by the Saudi authorities.
The Commission revealed that a total of N4,479,362,880.00 (Four Billion, Four Hundred and Seventy-Nine Million, Three Hundred and Sixty-Two Thousand, Eight Hundred and Eighty Naira) has been refunded to the Pilgrims’ Welfare Boards of Nigeria’s 36 states, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), and the Armed Forces.
The funds address the electricity service failure experienced by Nigerian pilgrims in the Masha’ir area during the 2023 pilgrimage. This was a critical issue that affected the comfort and experience of pilgrims in the holy sites, prompting NAHCON to take action for restitution.
Additionally, statement issue by Muhammad Ahmad Musa, Head, Public Affairs National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON)noted that the commission has issued refunds totaling 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 will be channeled towards refunding the pilgrims directly, ensuring that those affected by the disruptions receive their due compensation. NAHCON emphasized that other participating companies will also be reimbursed after further reconciliation.
This significant move underscores NAHCON’s commitment to ensuring transparency, fairness, and accountability under the leadership of its Chairman/CEO, Professor Abdullahi Saleh Usman. The disbursement reflects the Commission’s dedication to addressing grievances and upholding the integrity of its operations.
Pilgrims who participated in the 2023 Hajj are advised to contact their respective State Pilgrims’ Welfare Agencies, Boards, Commissions, or accredited tour operators to claim their refunds.
Each pilgrim is entitled to receive N61,080.00 (Sixty-One Thousand, Eighty Naira). NAHCON has provided a detailed breakdown of the refunds, which includes the number of pilgrims per state and the corresponding amounts for each.
Furthermore, the Commission has issued a call to intending pilgrims for the 2025 Hajj, urging them to make their deposits promptly with their respective State Pilgrims’ Welfare Agencies.
This measure is vital to facilitate the timely transmission of funds to NAHCON, enabling the smooth and early arrangement of the 2025 Hajj in strict adherence to the guidelines set by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
In line with its commitment to transparency and due process, NAHCON has called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), and other relevant security agencies to oversee the refund process. This collaboration aims to ensure the proper disbursement of refunds, ensuring all beneficiaries receive their entitlements without any discrepancies.
