The Sokoto State Pilgrims Welfare Agency (PWA) has begun refunding payments to 5,192 former pilgrims who participated in the 2023 Hajj exercise. The refund is for services not enjoyed in Saudi Arabia during the period.

According to Alhaji Aliyu Musa, Chairman of the Sokoto State PWA, the National Hajj Commission released ₦317 million for onward disbursement to the affected former pilgrims. Each of the 5,192 pilgrims from the state is expected to receive 150 Saudi Riyals (equivalent to over ₦61,800).

“The money is directly credited to individual pilgrim accounts to ensure transparency and accountability,” Alhaji Musa explained. “In cases where a former pilgrim has passed away, their share of the refund will be paid to their next of kin after thorough scrutiny by the committee.”

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The Sokoto State PWA has assured that it will work diligently to ensure each pilgrim receives their entitlement. A committee has been set up to work closely with former and present pilgrims’ registration officers at local government levels to ensure no one is left out.

Alhaji Musa warned officials involved in the screening and payment process to avoid any actions that could jeopardize the exercise’s success. “Any official found wanting will have themselves to blame, as the agency will not tolerate any act of dishonesty that would cause embarrassment to the state,” he emphasized.