The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has refunded N107 million to the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) for the poor feeding services rendered by the company of Mutawwif for pilgrims from African Non-Arab Countries.

The commission’s spokesperson, Mousa Ubandawaki, disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday in Abuja.

Mr Ubandawaki explained that the development was sequel to several letters and reminders by the commission to the company on the poor feeding services during the Masha’ir period.

He recalled that the 2022 Hajj was marred by poor services rendered by the Muassasah for Nigerian pilgrims, especially feeding during the five-day peak of Hajj.

Zikhrullah Hassan, chairman and the chief executive officer of NAHCON, described the development as heart-warming.

He said it vindicated the commission’s tenacious struggle to right the wrong feeding arrangement and quality of services rendered to Nigerian Pilgrims during the 2022 Hajj by the Muassasah.

“I really want to thank my counterparts from the Mutawwif for this role in ensuring that they refunded the money paid for services not rendered or poorly delivered,” he said.

The Mutawwif or Muassasah is the Saudi company responsible for the accommodation, transportation and feeding of Nigerians and other Africans in Muna and Arafat during the Hajj. 

(NAN)