By Salisu Sani-Idris
The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has assured more refund for the poor services rendered to the 2023 hajj pilgrims.
The Executive Chairman of NAHCON, Prof. Abdullahi Usman, made this known in a statement issued by the commission’s Assistant Director, Information and Publication Division, Mrs Fatima Usara, on Thursday in Abuja.
” It would be recalled that in the month of October, the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) acknowledged receipt of refunds from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for various services not rendered to pilgrims of previous unspecified hajj seasons.
” NAHCON explained that the problem hindering payment of the refunds was unavailability of details accompanying the received funds.
” Details were not attached on the reasons of the
refunds, or whom they were meant for and the amount each pilgrims is to receive. ”
Usman appealed to pilgrims and the public on the stalemate preventing NAHCON from releasing the remaining monies lodged in its account.
According to him, the commission is still awaiting explanations of these refunds without which payments cannot be made.
” For the benefit of clearing any doubts, National Hajj Commission of Nigeria received in five tranches the sum of 20,716, 035.2 Saudi Riyals as various categories of unexplained refunds.
” Our Of these total, NAHCON received explanation only over the disbursement of 150 Saudi Riyals each for the 95,000 pilgrims that participated in the 2023 Hajj.
“‘ This amount covers matters relating to electricity supply in Masha’ir locations,” he said.
The NAHCON boss said that the refund had since been released to the States Pilgrims’ Welfare Boards and Private Tour Operators for onward dispensation to their respective pilgrims.
” Hence NAHCON is still anticipating narration on
a total of 6.4 Saudi Riyals in pursuit of further disbursement of the remaining refunds.”
Usman added that the commission had written several letters to the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah requesting for details in order to hand over the monies to the rightful owners.
” Besides, during my recent trip to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, I led a delegation on a follow-up visit to the Ministry and other relevant establishment seeking clarification over the rightful beneficiaries of the refunds and the amount due to each person.”
He also assured the affected pilgrims and their respective officials that as soon as the commission receives full details of refunds the remaining amount would be disbursed immediately and transparently. (NAN)