NAHCON Set to Refund 95,000 Pilgrims for Unprovided Hajj Services

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has unveiled its plan to reimburse SR150 (around N64,679) to 95,000 Nigerian pilgrims who participated in the 2023 Hajj. This refund is aimed at compensating for the services that were not delivered by the Saudi Hajj Ministry at Masha’ir, as explained by NAHCON’s Commissioner of Operations, Anofi Olanrewaju-Elegushi.

Addressing concerns regarding Private Tour Operators (PTOs), Mr. Olanrewaju-Elegushi clarified that NAHCON has already issued refunds totaling N750 million to 30 companies, with another N750 million yet to be allocated for PTOs pending resolution. He also mentioned a significant change in the upcoming Hajj plans, noting that the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has cut the number of leading companies for the 2025 Hajj from 20 to just 10, each mandated to register at least 2,000 pilgrims.

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Additionally, Olanrewaju-Elegushi pointed out that there will be no government concessionary exchange rate available for the 2025 Hajj. To address the outstanding issues regarding refunds and Umrah visa limitations, NAHCON officials are set to travel to Saudi Arabia. Furthermore, the Commission has extended the registration deadline for PTOs until October 11, enabling them to make payments through Bank Guarantee or cash deposit.