2023 HAJJ: NAHCON REFUNDS N5.3BN TO STATES PILGRIMS BOARDS, TOUR OPERATORS FOR POOR SERVICES

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has announced the refund of over N5.3 billion to states and private tour operators for poorly rendered services to Nigerian pilgrims during the 2023 Hajj.

It was learnt that Saudi Arabia refunded the amounts following genuine complaints raised by NAHCON over services paid for but poorly delivered during the pilgrimage.

In a statement by Muhammad Ahmad Musa, NAHCON Head of Public Affairs, on Thursday evening, the cumulative amounts have been released to states, including the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Pilgrims Board and operators, for onward disbursement to pilgrims who participated in the 2023 Hajj.

According to a list attached to the statement, over 73,336 pilgrims are expected to receive the refunds, across the 36 states of the federation and the FCT, with Kaduna, Kano, Sokoto, and Kebbi receiving the lion’s share of N381,078,120.00; N375,397,680.00; N317,127,360.00; and N301,551,960.00, respectively, among other states.

Lagos received N223,003,080.00; Osun got N112,020,720.00; Edo had N26,142,240.00; Cross River N4,275,600.00; Imo N12,826,800.00; and Ebonyi N2,504,280.00. Abia State, with the lowest number of pilgrims, received the least refund of N671,880.00.

According to the statement, the 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.

NAHCON, therefore, urged Nigerians who participated in the 2023 pilgrimage to contact their respective State Pilgrims’ Welfare Agencies, Boards, and Commissions or Tour Operators to claim their refunds. It added that each pilgrim is entitled to receive a refund of N61,080.

“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. A detailed breakdown of the number of pilgrims per state and the corresponding amounts is attached to this press statement.”

The Commission, however, appealed to anti-graft agencies, including 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 across the country.

The statement partly reads, “I hereby inform the public that NAHCON 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 addition, the Commission has refunded a 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.

“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 reach the intended beneficiaries without any discrepancy.”

The Commission also urged all 2025 Hajj intending pilgrims to promptly deposit their 2025 Hajj fares with their respective State Pilgrims Boards to ensure the timely transmission of funds to NAHCON.

The Commission expressed its commitment to facilitating early arrangements for the 2025 Hajj exercise in strict compliance with the guidelines set forth by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.