The Lagos State Muslims Pilgrims Welfare Board has finalized arrangements to refund a total of N223 million to pilgrims who participated in the Y2023 Holy Pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia through the state.
This was disclosed in a statement by the Board Secretary, Saheed Onipede, and released by the Board’s Public Affairs Officer, Taofeek Lawal.
Onipede revealed that the sum of N223 million was received from the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) as a refund for services that were not rendered by Saudi Authorities during the pilgrimage.
He further stated that each of the 3,651 pilgrims/beneficiaries is entitled to N61,080, a measure aimed at addressing the inconveniences they encountered during the exercise.
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To facilitate the refund, the Board outlined specific requirements for both living and deceased pilgrims.
Living pilgrims are required to submit an application letter, photocopies of their International Passport data page, Nigeria/Saudi Immigration stamped pages (in-bound and out-bound), and their account details.
For deceased pilgrims, families must present a death certificate, details of the next of kin as indicated in the Hajj form, an affidavit, and the relevant immigration-stamped pages.
Addressing concerns over the process, Onipede assured that the State is committed to a seamless and stress-free refund for all beneficiaries.
“As the Centre of Excellence, the State will not deny its pilgrims their rights and privileges in any way,” he affirmed.
This refund follows NAHCON’s announcement in November 2024 of a nationwide disbursement totalling N4.48 billion to State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Boards, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), the Armed Forces, and accredited Tour Operators.
The refund was necessitated by services not properly rendered to Y2023 Hajj pilgrims, particularly at Muna and Arafah.
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The Lagos State Government reiterated its commitment to ensuring transparency and accountability in the process, urging all eligible beneficiaries to adhere to the specified requirements for prompt disbursement.
