Hajj 2024: CSO commends Kaduna welfare agency for ‘refunding $50’ to pilgrims

Independent Hajj Reporters (IHR), a faith based civil society organisation, has commended the Kaduna state pilgrims welfare agency for its planned refund of $50 to pilgrims.

The agency had on Thursday announced that it would be refunding $50 each to 700 pilgrims that paid for ‘Hadaya’ (animal sacrifice), following the downward price review it got from the company that it engaged to slaughter animals.

The announcement of the refund was made by Muhammad Rabiu Dabo, a board member of the agency and chairperson of the Hadaya committee.

In a statement issued on Sunday in Makkah, Saudi Arabia, IHR said the transparency exhibited by the welfare agency is commendable.

The CSO urged other states and officials to emulate the gesture of the agency.

“Pilgrims deserve to know how much was expended on the Hadaya project on their behalf, whether it is less or higher than what they are charged by the committee set up by States Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Boards — such will create atmosphere of trust and confidence in the minds of the general public and prospective pilgrims,” the statement reads.

“We are aware that some states charge higher than Kaduna state to undertake Hadaya for their pilgrims, but we are yet to hear of any form of public announcement on how much was involved or refunded.

“We urge all officials to emulate the example set by Kaduna state and refund pilgrims if there is any downward review of price of Rams purchased for their pilgrims. Doing so will earn you rewards more than you can imagine.”