Independent Hajj Reporters, (IHR), a civil society organization that seeks to entrench transparency in the Hajj and Umrah industry in Nigeria, has commended the Executive Governor of Oyo, Engr. Seyi Makinde over his gesture towards Hajj 2022 pilgrims from his state.
Governor Makinde had ordered the state Muslim Pilgrims Welfare board not to deduct any amount from all the intending pilgrims from the state who missed the Hajj and had asked for a refund.
IHR in a statement signed by its national coordinator, Ibrahim Muhammed, said it is aware certain deductions were made from pilgrims’ deposits in other states for service already paid for.
The CSO said the word of the governor while receiving the report of Hajj 2022 at the Government House, Agodi Ibadan is gladdening and also pleasing to the intending pilgrims who already lost the chance to perform the Hajj last year.
The Governor equally said that all those pilgrims who want to use their money for the 2023 Hajj would be the first to be considered for the exercise and that they would not make any additional payment to what they have already paid even if the fare for Hajj 2023 turns out to be a bit higher than last year’s.
“This gesture means Oyo State Government will shoulder the differentials of 2023 Hajj fare for intending pilgrims from Oyo state that ‘missed’ the 2022 Hajj. This is worth commending” IHR said.
IHR also urged other state executives to emulate Makinde by directing their respective states Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Boards/Agencies and Commissions not to deduct what they call “service charge” from Hajj refunds.
Some of these states kept pilgrims’ deposits in commercial banks for months with accrued interests, yet they still deduct from the exact amount paid by pilgrims who missed Hajj.
IHR restated its commitment to protecting the interest of pilgrims and called states who are in the habit of “manufacturing non-existent and non-rendered services” from deducting money paid by pilgrims especially those pilgrims that could not travel for Hajj.
