The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria has pledged more refunds for the poor services rendered to the 2023 Hajj pilgrims.

NAHCON chair Abdullahi Usman said this in a statement on Thursday.

”It would be recalled that in the month of October, the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) acknowledged receipt of refunds from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for various services not rendered to pilgrims of previous unspecified Hajj seasons.

”NAHCON explained that the problem hindering payment of the refunds was the unavailability of details accompanying the received funds. Details were not attached on the reasons for the refunds, or whom they were meant for and the amount each pilgrim is to receive,” said Mr Usman

Mr Usman appealed to pilgrims and the public on the stalemate preventing NAHCON from releasing the remaining monies lodged in its account.

According to him, the commission is still awaiting explanations of these refunds without which payments cannot be made.

”For the benefit of clearing any doubts, the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria received in five tranches the sum of 20,716, 035.2 Saudi Riyals as various categories of unexplained refunds.

”Our Of these total, NAHCON received explanations only over the disbursement of 150 Saudi Riyals each for the 95,000 pilgrims that participated in the 2023 Hajj.

“This amount covers matters relating to electricity supply in Masha’ir locations,” he said.

The NAHCON boss added that the refund had since been released to the States Pilgrims’ Welfare Boards and Private Tour Operators for onward dispensation to their respective pilgrims.

”Hence, NAHCON is still anticipating narration on a total of 6.4 Saudi Riyals in pursuit of further disbursement of the remaining refunds,” noted the NAHCON chief.

Mr Usman added that the commission had written several letters to the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah requesting details on handing the monies to the rightful owners.

(NAN)