Dutse – The Jigawa State Pilgrims Welfare Board (JPWB) on Friday said that it had deposited over N753 million to the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON)’s account.
JPWB’s Public Relations Officer, Malam Ibrahim Hashim, gave the figure while briefing newsmen in Dutse, capital of Jigawa .
Hashim said that the amount represented 50 per cent of the total cost of 2,369 seats earlier allocated to the state by NAHCON.
“The board has deposited N 753, 9700, 930.41 to NAHCON representing 50 per cent of the 2,369 seats allocated to the state,” Hashim said.
He said that each state of the federation was required to pay 50 per cent of total seats allocated to it by the NAHCON within a specified period.
The spokesman said that Jigawa was the first state to pay the money, adding: “NAHCON has threatened to fine any state that fails to pay to it 50 per cent within the stipulated time.”
According to him, the money was provided by the state government.
“I want you to note that Jigawa is the first state to pay this 50 per cent.
“And, it is also worthy to note that the money is not borrowed from any bank or an individual, but the government provided it,” the PRO said.
Hashim also said that the board had successfully refunded more than N41 million to 2,374 pilgrims in the state, who performed the 2015 Hajj.
According to him, the refund was for services not rendered to the pilgrims while in the Holy Land.
The official said that NANHCON directed the board to refund the money, and that each of the pilgrims was refunded N11, 247.52 at 13 designated centres in the state. (NAN)