NAHCON Refunds N301.56m To Kebbi Pilgrims

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has refunded over N301.56million to the 4,936 pilgrims from Kebbi State who performed the 2023 Hajj. Each of the 4,936 pilgrims who participated in the 2023 Hajj exercise will receive a refund of ₦61,080.

This was disclosed by the Chairman of the Kebbi State Pilgrims Welfare Board, Alhaji Faruku Aliyu Yaro Enabo (Jagaban Gwandu), during a meeting held to discuss the refunds issued by the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON).

He said that the money had already been deposited into the accouut of the agency for onward distribution to the beneficiaries.

The refund is being made in compliance with NAHCON’s directive to compensate pilgrims for services that were not rendered during the 2023 Hajj.

He averred, “Upon receiving the funds from NAHCON, I informed the Governor, who directed me to initiate the refund process to the pilgrims, with the Chairmen of the 21 LGAs serving as witnesses and confirming the process.”

Enabo urged the Council Chairmen to also monitor the exercise to ensure that all the affected pilgrims get their money.

He also stated that the exercise would be fully monitored by EFCC, ICPC, NSCDC, Police, DSS and other related security agencies.

Alhaji Faruku explained that it is the responsibility of the board to ensure that all eligible pilgrims receive their refunds without any delay.

He emphasized that the total number of affected pilgrims in Kebbi State stands at 4,936, each of whom will receive ₦61,080.

The meeting was attended by local government chairmen, board members of the Kebbi State Pilgrims Welfare Board, Hajj coordinators, and directors from the board.

Furthermore, Alhaji Faruku urged prospective pilgrims for the upcoming 2025 Hajj to expedite their payments.

He noted that NAHCON has extended the payment deadline to the end of December 2024, encouraging early payments to secure better accommodations, timely transportation, and other essential services during the Hajj.

Credit: Yahaya Sarki

Special Adviser (SA) on Media and Publicity to Kebbi State Governor.