The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has refunded N5.3 billion to State Pilgrims Welfare Boards and tour operators to address grievances from the 2023 Hajj pilgrimage.
WikkiTimes’ analysis of the reimbursement figures showed that 19 Northern states and FCT received the sum of N3.84 billion to distribute to the participating pilgrims.
NAHCON disclosed this on its official X account which implies compensation for the services rendered which were considered below the standard.
WikkiTimes reports that some stakeholders had criticised the commission for the pilgrimage due to poor services rendered to pilgrims.
The reimbursement aims to compensate pilgrims for services that were poorly rendered during the annual religious exercise in Saudi Arabia last year.
The refund covers a range of substandard services experienced by Nigerian pilgrims, including inadequate accommodation, poor transportation logistics, insufficient feeding arrangements, and other logistical lapses that marred the 2023 spiritual journey.
According to NAHCON, the funds will be distributed to the affected pilgrims through the respective State Pilgrims Welfare Boards and tour operators.
The 2023 Hajj, which saw over 73,000 Nigerian pilgrims participate, was fraught with challenges from the onset.
Complaints began to surface shortly after the pilgrims arrived in Saudi Arabia, with many lamenting poor welfare services that fell short of promised standards.
Additionally, inadequate feeding arrangements led to widespread dissatisfaction, as several pilgrims reported receiving insufficient meals or none at all during critical phases of the pilgrimage.
 and to address grievances from the 2023 Hajj pilgrimage. ){kind=link}