CSO to NAHCON: Constitute committee to oversee disbursement of 2023 hajj refunds

The Independent Hajj Reporters (IHR), a civil society organisation (CSO), has asked the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) to set up a committee that will oversee the disbursement of refunds to about 95,000 pilgrims, who performed the 2023 hajj.

In a statement signed by Ibrahim Mohammed, its national coordinator, on Monday, IHR said transparency in handling refunds is crucial to addressing pilgrims’ concerns.

The organisation said its call was prompted by “controversies that often surround the refund process”.

“We are aware that the refund has been disbursed to state pilgrim boards, agencies, and private tour operators for onward payment to their respective 2023 pilgrims,” the statement reads.

NAHCON had announced that each pilgrim would receive a refund of 150 Saudi Riyals, which was returned by the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah for poor services during the pilgrimage.

The IHR noted that NAHCON had also refunded SR62,602 (about N27 million) to those who performed the 2022 pilgrimage under private tour operators (PTO) for poor feeding arrangements in Mina.

The CSO urged NAHCON to be transparent with the refund details, including amounts received, allocations to state pilgrims’ boards, the number of affected pilgrims, and names of eligible private operators.

The IHR recommended that NAHCON compel state pilgrims boards and private operators to submit lists of eligible pilgrims and ensure payments are made to the rightful beneficiaries.

While commending NAHCON’s approval of the refunds, the group called for a structured process to ensure transparency and accountability.

It also announced plans to form a journalist-led committee to track the refund process and share updates through its platforms.

“We remain committed to collaborating with NAHCON and stakeholders to promote transparency and advocate for effective Hajj management in Nigeria,” IHR said.