KANO, NIGERIA — The Kano State Pilgrims Welfare Board is set to refund ₦327,178 each to 500 intending pilgrims. The refund is for those who made excess deposits for the 2027 Hajj exercise.
The announcement was made on Thursday by the board’s Director-General, Alhaji Laminu Danbappa. He spoke during a press briefing in Kano.
The Refund Process
Danbappa said the affected pilgrims deposited more than the approved fare. He said the board decided to refund the excess to avoid keeping funds that do not belong to it.
“We have identified 500 pilgrims who made excess payments. We will refund them the sum of ₦327,178 each,” he stated.
He said the refund process would commence immediately. He urged the affected pilgrims to visit the board’s office with their payment receipts.
The Director-General said the board has set up a dedicated desk for the refunds. He said officials have been deployed to handle the process.
Hajj Fare Breakdown
The board had earlier announced the approved fare for the 2027 Hajj. The fare covers flight tickets, accommodation, and other logistics.
Danbappa explained that the approved fare was lower than what some pilgrims paid. He said the excess payment was due to initial estimates that were later revised.
“We reviewed the fare after negotiations with service providers. The final fare was lower than what some pilgrims paid. That is why we are refunding the excess,” he said.
Accountability and Transparency
Danbappa said the board has been transparent in its dealings with pilgrims. He said it would continue to ensure that pilgrims are not exploited.
“The board is committed to accountability. We will not keep money that does not belong to us. Every pilgrim deserves value for their money,” he stated.
He urged pilgrims to report any irregularities in the refund process. He said the board would address such reports promptly.
What This Means
The refund is a positive development. It shows that the board is accountable to pilgrims.
It also encourages transparency in the management of Hajj funds. Many pilgrims have complained about excess charges in the past.
For Kano State, the refund is a demonstration of good governance. It strengthens the trust between the board and the pilgrims.
What Happens Next
The board will continue to process refunds. It will also finalise arrangements for the 2027 Hajj.
The board said it would announce the departure dates for pilgrims in due course. It urged pilgrims to complete their vaccination and travel documentation.
For now, the affected pilgrims are grateful to the board for its honesty. They urged other states to emulate Kano’s example.
