At least 3,100 pilgrims from Katsina state who performed the 2019 hajj have received refund of the unutilised pilgrims’ hajj deposits from the Saudi Arabia Ministry of Hajj Affairs.
Executive Director Katsina State Pilgrim’s Welfare Board, Alhaji Suleiman Nuhu Kuki, disclosed this to newsmen while supervising the refund exercises on Thursday in Katsina.
Nuhu Kuki said Governor Aminu Bello Masari granted approval for the commencement of the refund exercise of the pilgrims’ deposit refund received through the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON).
He said pilgrims who paid their Hajj fares directly through the board and those offered government slots are entitled for the refund.
Alhaji Kuki told reporters that the refund is for a particular service not rendered to the pilgrims by the Saudi authorities while in the holy land.
Kuki assured that each of the pilgrims would be given N4500 refunds as Governor Masari’s commitment towards the improvement of the welfare of pilgrims in Katsina state.
He advised the 2020 pilgrims who rolled over their deposits to Hajj 2021 to complete their deposits to avoid losing their hajj slots.
The ED expressed appreciation to NAHCON for the continuous support and cooperation in the conduct of the board’s primary assignment of organising hitch free Hajj operations.
Highlights of the refund exercise included the refund of the pilgrims deposit launched and supervised by the Executive Director at the 7 zonal offices of the board.
