Hajj Commission discovers N774m outstanding balance for 504 prospective pilgrims
The Zamfara State Hajj Commission on Monday said that it discovered N774 million as outstanding balance not refunded to 504 prospective pilgrims in the state from 2019 to date.
The Chairman of the commission, Alhaji Musa Mallaha, disclosed this in Gusau at the commission’s inaugural meeting, during which letters of appointment were presented to five permanent commissioners and 18 part-time members.
Mallaha explained that N775 million was not refunded to 504 prospective pilgrims who deposited money with the commission, but were unable to complete the payment for hajj seats from 2019 to date.
“Many people have complained to me that they have deposited their money with the commission for pilgrimage over the years but not refunded.
“I complained to the governor after my appointment as Chairman to this commission, and the governor directed me to investigate the matter and ensure justice for everyone involved.
“We further discovered that the commission had 16 finance accounts in different banks, and I requested office of the State Accountant-General to verify all the accounts after which we recovered N254 million.
“We further discovered that part of the money deposited previously by the intending pilgrims had been used for free hajj tickets and renovation of the state Hajj Camp by the immediate past administration.”
According to him, currently the commission has a total balance of N92 million out of the outstanding N775 million to be repaid.
“You know, government is a continuous process; I am therefore appealing to Gov. Dauda Lawal to pay all the intended pilgrims their rights,” Mallaha added.
