The Zamfara Hajj Commission has commenced the refund of N747 million to 504 people who deposited their money for Hajj between 2019 and 2023.

The executive chairman of the commission, Musa Mallaha, stated this at a press briefing in Gusau on Saturday.

He said Governor Dauda Lawal had approved the release of N218 million each month to pay the money in instalments from December to February.

Mr Mallaha said the commission would top up N92 million to the amount approved by the governor for the refund.

“The governor has approved the refund of N747 million to the beneficiaries in three instalments between December 2023 and February 2024.

“As I am speaking to you now, the governor has already released N218 million for the month of December as the first instalment.

“The money has already been remitted to the commission’s account,” he said.

He said the money would be added to the N92 million in the commission’s account before disbursing to the beneficiaries.

“We would give priority to those among the beneficiaries that indicated interest in performing the 2024 Hajj exercise, particularly those that deposited some amount with the commission,” Mr Mallaha added.

The chairman pledged to ensure transparency and accountability in the exercise and appreciated the governor for supporting the commission. 

(NAN)