Editor
The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has announced the disbursement of N5.3 billion in refunds to State Pilgrims’ Welfare Boards, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), the Armed Forces, and accredited tour operators.
These refunds address shortcomings in services provided during the 2023 Hajj, particularly with regard to Masha’ir electricity services that were inadequately rendered by the Saudi authorities.
In a press statement issued on Thursday by Muhammad Ahmad Musa, Head of Public Affairs at NAHCON, the commission detailed the breakdown of the refunds.
The 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 disbursed to State Pilgrims’ Welfare Boards, the FCT, and the Armed Forces.
Additionally, NAHCON has refunded 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 for onward distribution to their respective pilgrims. Other tour operators will also receive refunds after completing the reconciliation process.
NAHCON emphasized its commitment to transparency and accountability in Hajj operations under the leadership of its Chairman/CEO, Professor Abdullahi Saleh Usman. The commission assured pilgrims who participated in the 2023 Hajj that they are entitled to refunds of N61,080.00 (Sixty-One Thousand, Eighty Naira) each. Pilgrims are encouraged to contact their respective State Pilgrims’ Welfare Boards or tour operators to claim their refunds. A detailed breakdown of state-specific pilgrim numbers and refund amounts has been attached to the press release.
Looking ahead to the 2025 Hajj, NAHCON urged intending pilgrims to promptly deposit their fares with their respective State Pilgrims’ Welfare Boards. Early payments will enable the commission to ensure the timely remittance of funds and seamless preparation for the pilgrimage in line with guidelines set by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
In a move to ensure the integrity of the refund process, NAHCON called on the
