Independent Hajj Reporters, a Civil Society Organisation (CSO) has advised the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) to constitute a committee to monitor the disbursement of refunds to 2023 Hajj pilgrims.
Its National Coordinator, Malam Ibrahim Mohammed, gave the advice in a statement on Monday in Abuja.
Mohammed said the call became necessary following the controversy that trailed the refund to pilgrims.
“We are aware that the refund has been disbursed to State Pilgrims Boards and Agencies, as well as Private Tour Operators, for onward payment to their respective 2023 pilgrims.
“NAHCON announced that each pilgrim who participated in the 2023 Hajj exercise would be refunded 150 Saudi Riyals after the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah refunded them for services poorly rendered to the pilgrims.
“Also, the commission announced that Nigerian pilgrims who participated in the 2022 Hajj under Private Hajj Operators will receive 62,602 Saudi Riyals (about N27 million).
“The said amount is a refund from the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah for poor feeding in Mina in 2022,” Mohammed said.
He, therefore, urged NAHCON to make details of the refund to the public as a sign of transparency and accountability.
The coordinator stated that transparency was essential in restoring the confidence of the public and intending pilgrims in the system.
“The details should include how much was released to NAHCON by the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah.
“How much is due or has been released to State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Boards; the number of pilgrims involved and the names of private tour operators that are entitled to the refund,” he noted.
He empahaised the need for NAHCON to compel State Muslim Pilgrims Boards and private tour operators to provide lists of pilgrims entitled to refunds.
“The commission should also monitor them to ensure that the refunds reach their deserving targets,” he said.
The coordinator commended the Chairman of NAHCON and his Commissioners for approving the refund.
Mohammed appealed to the commission to institute a process “that will ensure that the refunds get to its rightful beneficiaries, who performed the 2023 Hajj.
“As a CSO, we will also constitute a small committee comprising veteran journalists to follow up on the refund process.
“And implement a continuous update via its platforms and social media handles.”
He also promised to collaborate with NAHCON and other interested stakeholders to promote transparency and advocate for effective Hajj management system in the country.
