The Executive Chairman, Kebbi State Pilgrims Welfare Board, Alhaji Faruku Aliyu Yaro Enabo has urged prospective pilgrims for the upcoming 2025 Hajj to expedite effort to pay their fare before December ending.
He stated this on Monday while addressing Journalists shortly after a meeting to deliberate on the fund refunded by the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON).
The chairman, who further stated that NAHCON has extended the payment deadline to the end of December 2024, encouraged pilgrims to ensure early payments to secure better accommodation, timely transportation, and other essential services during the Hajj exercise.
He also pointed out that the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has also refunded over N301.56million to the 4,936 pilgrims from Kebbi State who performed the 2023 Hajj.
“Each of the 4,936 pilgrims who participated in the 2023 Hajj exercise will receive a refund of ₦61,080, the money has already been deposited into the account of the agency for onward distribution to the beneficiaries.
“The refund is being made in compliance with NAHCON’s directive to compensate pilgrims for services that were not rendered during the 2023 Hajj.
“Already, the Governor, His Excellency, Comrade Dr Nasir Idris, Kauran Gwandu has directed me to initiate the refund process to the pilgrims, with the Chairmen of the 21 LGAs serving as witnesses and confirming the process,” he added.
He then admonished the Council Chairmen to also monitor the exercise to ensure that all the affected pilgrims get their money, adding that the agency would involve all the security board in the state to ensure a smooth and transparent exercise.
Alhaji Faruku explained that “it is the responsibility of the board to ensure that all eligible pilgrims receive their refunds without any delay.”
He then commended the efforts of the Governor, Comrade Dr Nasir Idris for supporting the board in carrying out is responsibilities diligently, thereby ensuring good governance in the state.
