Abuja – The Independent Hajj Reporters, a civil society, says it will monitor the distribution of N1.7 billion refund recovered by NAHCON from the 2015 Hajj to pilgrims.
This is contained in a statement jointly signed by its National Coordinator, Malam Ibrahim Muhammed, and Publicity Secretary, Malam Abubakar Mahmoud, on Monday in Abuja.
According to the group, it has directed its members nationwide to monitor the distribution of the money to pilgrims to ensure a transparent process.
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“This will enable the society to assist NAHCON to create awareness on the refunds and report to general public the mode adopted in the distribution by States Pilgrims Welfare Boards.
“The N1.7 billion was secured by NAHCON from some Saudi Hajj service providers to Nigerian pilgrims for services not rendered or rendered unsatisfactorily during the 2015 Hajj.
“The States Pilgrims Welfare Boards are saddled with the responsibility of ensuring that the money gets back to all pilgrims who participated in the 2015 Hajj,’’ the civil society said.
It also urged the states pilgrim boards to make adequate announcement in their various states to ensure that pilgrims were well informed about the refund and the process of collection.
The society also called on NAHCON to also inform the public about the distribution pattern so as to avail the pilgrims with information on what to expect from their various state pilgrims boards.
“While commending NAHCON for such a feat, we, however, urge NAHCON to inform the general public on how much was given to each State Pilgrims Board.
“This will allow pilgrims to know how much they are entitled to as individuals,’’ the society was quoted as saying. (NAN)