The Sokoto State Pilgrims Welfare Agency has established a committee to oversee the payment and screening process for 2023 pilgrims who are entitled to receive refunds from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
This decision follows a stakeholders’ meeting held at the Agency’s Headquarters on Thursday, November 28, 2024.
According to Ladan Ibrahim, the director of administration and acting secretary of the Agency, the committee will closely monitor the screening and payment process to ensure that all beneficiaries receive their entitlements as specified.
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The chairman of the Agency, Aliyu Musa, urged local government officials to form similar sub-committees to facilitate the process.
Ibrahim emphasized the importance of adhering to the guidelines for disbursement, as anti-corrupt practice agencies such as the EFCC and ICPC will be monitoring the exercise.
Abubakar Cika, the director of Hajj operations, outlined the necessary documents required from each beneficiary, including international passports, traveling documents, and previous payment details. Nasiru Abubakar, the director of finance, assured that funds would be transferred instantly to beneficiaries upon successful clearance.
Surajo Bello Sifawa, the deputy director of administration, clarified that only those who performed the 2023 Hajj operations are entitled to the refund and stressed the importance of valuable documents to support any claims.