Sokoto State Refunds 47 Pilgrims 50% of Lost Funds After Hajj Exercise
By Abdulrazaq Auwal
Sokoto State Government has refunded 50 percent of funds lost by 47 pilgrims who participated in the recently concluded Hajj exercise in Saudi Arabia.
The intervention followed reported cases of money loss in Madinah and Makkah, prompting immediate welfare response from the state authorities.
While monitoring the disbursement exercise, the State Deputy Amirul Hajj and Grand Khadi, Alhaji Sodangi Acida, commended Governor Ahmad Aliyu Sokoto, FCNA, describing the gesture as timely, strategic, and welfare-driven.
He noted that the intervention reflects strong political will to safeguard the interests of pilgrims and reduce financial hardship during pilgrimage operations.
The Chairman of the 2026 Welfare Committee, Alhaji Malami Dan Isha, confirmed that all 47 affected pilgrims received refunds amounting to 50 percent of their reported losses.
He explained that the process was carried out transparently under the supervision of relevant stakeholders.
He further recalled that the state government had earlier distributed a Sallah gift of 1,000 Saudi riyals to all Sokoto State pilgrims as part of broader welfare support measures during the Hajj season.
Dan Isha urged pilgrims to continue praying for sustained peace, unity, and socio-economic development in Sokoto State and Nigeria.
The Pilgrims Welfare Agency reiterated its commitment to accountability, improved service delivery, and enhanced protection of pilgrims’ welfare before, during, and after future Hajj operations.
The agency also emphasized that the financial intervention forms part of a broader reform agenda aimed at strengthening risk management systems within Hajj operations, improving accountability frameworks, and ensuring rapid response mechanisms for pilgrims facing unforeseen challenges abroad.
It stressed that ongoing collaboration between state officials, welfare committees, and international service providers remains critical to safeguarding pilgrims’ assets and enhancing operational efficiency across all stages of the pilgrimage cycle.
Officials reaffirmed commitment to continuous improvement and institutional learning.
The government pledged sustained support for pilgrims in future exercises planning phases.
