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Independent Hajj Reporters, a faith-based Civil Society Organisation (CSO) that monitors, reports on and advocates transparency in the Nigerian Hajj and Umrah industry, has urged the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) to constitute a special committee to monitor the disbursement of refunds to about 95, 000 Nigerian pilgrims who participated in the 2023 Hajj exercise.
In a statement signed by its National Coordinator, Ibrahim Mohammed, made available to Tribune Online in Abuja on Monday, the CSO stated that this call became necessary following the controversy that often follows refunds to Nigerian pilgrims.
NAHCON had announced that each pilgrim who participated in the 2023 Hajj exercise would be refunded 150 Saudi Riyals (about N61,080) after the Saudi Arabian Ministry of Hajj and Umrah refunded for services poorly rendered to them.
Also, the Hajj commission announced that Nigerian pilgrims who participated in the 2022 Hajj under private Hajj operators would receive SR62,602 (about N27 million) as a refund from the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah for ‘’poor feeding’’ in Mina that year.
IHR, in the statement, called for transparency and accountability in the refunds to the pilgrim, noting that these are imperative with a view to restoring public confidence in the system.
“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.
“We also urge NAHCON to make details of the refund to the public as a sign of transparency and accountability which is essential in restoring the confidence of the public and intending pilgrims in the system,” IHR coordinator advised.
According to the CSO, details such as 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 names of private tour operators that are entitled to the refund should be made public.
It added that the commission should compel state Muslim pilgrims boards and private tour operators to provide lists of pilgrims entitled to refunds and monitor them to ensure that the refunds reach their deserving targets.
“While we commend the Chairman and his Commissioners for the approval of the refund, we appeal to the Commission to institute a process that will ensure that the refunds get to its rightful beneficiaries- the 2023 Hajj pilgrims,” IHR stated.
It also said that as a CSO, IHR would also constitute a small committee comprising veteran journalists to follow up on the refund process and implement a continuous update via IHR platforms and social media handles.
The CSO then promised to collaborate with NAHCON and other interested stakeholders to promote transparency and advocate an effective Hajj management system in Nigeria.
