After the request of a refund of Hajj deposits from 359 out of 1,794 intending pilgrims, Kano Pilgrims Board on Thursday commenced the process of refunding over N418 million deposits for 2020 hajj.
The hajj was cancelled the Saudi Arabia authorities because of the global COVID-19 pandemic.
The executive secretary of the board, Mr Muhammad Abba Dambatta told journalists during the unveiling of the exercise that the process would cover 10 out of 44 local government areas of the state.
According to him, “We are flagging off the refund today with 10 local government areas. In line with NAHCON directive, we have started refunding intending pilgrims of 2020 who choose to collect their deposits. The exercise is transparent and that is why we involve all stakeholders in the exercise including security agencies and anti-corruption body.
“So far, 1,794 persons registered for this year’s hajj and out of this number, 359 persons have applied for a refund and today we have kick off the exercise. We are starting with Dala, Ungogo, Fagge, Municipal, Wudil, Albasu, Dawakin-Tofa, Bagwa. We are issuing check of their deposits 100 per cent.
” We regretted that the 2020 hajj is cancelled due to COVID-19 but we believe the Almighty Allah knows the best. We pray next year the exercise will resume. The cancellation by Saudi Arabia authorities was deliberate because of COVID-19 but we thank God, the exercise will still hold with limited contingents”.
