Independent Hajj Reporters (IHR), a faith-based civil society organization dedicated to promoting transparency in Nigeria’s Hajj and Umrah industry, has called on the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) to establish a special committee to oversee the disbursement of refunds to approximately 95,000 Nigerian pilgrims who participated in the 2023 Hajj exercise.
In a statement issued by its National Coordinator, Ibrahim Mohammed, on Monday, IHR highlighted the need for this oversight due to the recurring controversies surrounding refunds to pilgrims in the country.
“We are aware that the refunds have been disbursed to State Pilgrims Boards and Agencies, as well as Private Tour Operators, for onward payment to the respective 2023 pilgrims,” the statement noted.
NAHCON had previously announced that each pilgrim would receive a refund of 150 Saudi Riyals, following a refund from the Saudi Arabian Ministry of Hajj and Umrah for substandard services rendered during the Hajj exercise. Additionally, NAHCON revealed that Nigerian pilgrims who participated in the 2022 Hajj under Private Tour Operators would be refunded SR62,602 (approximately ₦27 million) for “poor feeding” in Mina that year.
IHR urged NAHCON to ensure transparency in the refund process by publicly disclosing details such as:
The total amount refunded to NAHCON by the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah.
The amounts allocated to State Pilgrims Welfare Boards.
The number of pilgrims entitled to refunds.
A list of private tour operators eligible for the refunds.
The organization also called on NAHCON to compel State Pilgrims Boards and Private Tour Operators to provide comprehensive lists of pilgrims entitled to refunds and to closely monitor the disbursement process to ensure that all beneficiaries receive their due payments.
“While we commend NAHCON’s Chairman and Commissioners for approving the refunds, we appeal to the Commission to institute measures that guarantee these funds reach the rightful beneficiaries—the 2023 Hajj pilgrims,” IHR added.
As part of its commitment to transparency, IHR announced plans to form its own monitoring committee, comprising veteran journalists, to track the refund process. Updates on the disbursement will be shared regularly through its platforms and social media channels.
IHR further pledged to collaborate with NAHCON and other stakeholders to promote transparency and foster an efficient Hajj management system in Nigeria.
