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.
Alhaji Faruku Aliyu Yaro Enabo (Jagaban Gwandu), the Chairman of the Kebbi State Pilgrims Welfare Board, made this known during a meeting held to discuss the refunds issued by the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), saying each of the 4,936 pilgrims who participated in the 2023 Hajj exercise will receive a refund of ₦61,080.
Enabo noted that the money had already been deposited into the account of the agency for fore distribution to the beneficiaries.
The refund came in compliance with NAHCON’s directive to compensate pilgrims for services that were not rendered during the 2023 Hajj.
He stated, “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.”
The Chairman Pilgrims Welfare Board further urged the Council Chairmen to also monitor the exercise in order to ensure that all the affected pilgrims get their money, noting that the exercise would be fully monitored by EFCC, ICPC, NSCDC, Police, DSS and other related security agencies.
He also explained that it is the responsibility of the board to ensure that all eligible pilgrims receive their refunds without any delay.
In addition, Enabo emphasized that the total number of affected pilgrims in Kebbi State stands at 4,936, each of whom will receive ₦61,080 and urging prospective pilgrims for the upcoming 2025 Hajj to hasten their payments as NAHCON has extended the payment deadline to the end of December 2024, to encourage early payments so as to secure better accommodations, timely transportation, and other essential services during the Hajj.
Meanwhile, the meeting was attended by local government chairmen, board members of the Kebbi State Pilgrims Welfare Board, Hajj coordinators, and directors from the board.
