Lagos State Government on Tuesday, paid N743.5 million as refund to 564 intending pilgrims, who applied for a refund of the hajj fare paid between 2019 and 2022, after their inability to perform the last spiritual exercise.
Commissioner for Home Affairs Prince Anofiu Elegushi, before presenting the cheques at Shamsi Adisa Thomas (SAT) Mosque hall, Old Secretariat, Ikeja, thanked the beneficiaries for their patience, perseverance and understanding.
He said the little delay experienced before the refund was effected was as a result of the need to scrutinise and verify their details, in order to avoid mistakes.
Describing Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat as promise keepers, Elegushi said the current administration would protect the interest of Lagosians.
He said the Muslim Pilgrims Board was committed to its mission of giving intending pilgrims best standard of hajj operation.
The commissioner assured intending pilgrims, who still left their money with the state government for the 2023 holy pilgrimage that they will be given priority when the operation begins.
Many of the over 4,000 intending pilgrims registered by the state were unable to perform this year’s hajj due to increment in hajj fare from N1,3 million to N2,6 million, age barrier and other stringent measures put in place by Saudi Arabia.
The event was witnessed by the Permanent Secretary for Home Affairs, Mrs. Lolade Aina; Special Adviser to the Governor on Islamic Matters, Alhaji Ahmad Abdullahi Jebe; pilgrims board Chairman, Imam Shakiru Gafar; Secretary, Hakeem Kosoko and other members of the board.
