The Lagos State Muslims Pilgrims Welfare Board is set to refund the sum of N223,003,080.00 to the pilgrims who performed the 2023 Hajj for unrendered services.
This was contained in a statement signed and issued by the Board’s Public Affairs Officer, Taofeek Lawal, on Thursday in Lagos.
Lawal said the Board’s Secretary, Saheed Onipede, confirmed that the State was in possession of a total sum of N223,003,080.00, being the refund for services not rendered by the Saudi Arabia authorities during the pilgrimage exercise.
According to Onipede, each of the 3,651 pilgrims/beneficiaries is entitled to a sum of N61,080, adding that the refund, which was facilitated by the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria, became necessary in order to assuage the pilgrims over the inconveniences they experienced during the exercise.
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The Board’s Scribe stressed further that for the beneficiaries to collect the refund, some requirements must be met.
For instance, Onipede indicated that the beneficiaries who are still alive (I’m Alive pilgrims) are to supply an application letter, photocopies of the Data page of their International Passport, Nigeria/Saudi Immigration stamped page (in-bound and out-bound), and account details.
“For the deceased pilgrims, their families are expected to produce the death certificate of the deceased pilgrim, particulars of the next of kin as indicated in the Hajj form, sworn affidavit as well as Nigeria/Saudi Immigration stamped page (in-bound and out-bound),” Onipede added.
While noting the concerns and apprehension from some quarters over the refund, the Board’s Secretary stated that the state was committed to ensuring that each of the beneficiaries get the refund in a seamless and stress-free manner, adding that Lagos State would not deny its pilgrims their rights and privileges in any way.
Recall that in November, 2024, NAHCON informed the general public of the disbursement of the sum of N4,479,362,880.00 to the States’ Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Boards, Federal Capital Territory, Armed Forces, and accredited Tour Operators Companies in respect of services not rendered properly by the Saudi Arabian Authorities to the Year 2023 Hajj pilgrims, especially at Muna and Arafah.
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