HAJJ PILGRIMS FARE REFUND: RIGHTS GROUP, HURMA COMMENDS LAGOS GOVT FOR QUICK RESPONSE TO ITS DEMAND- Rights Monitors
…cries of some affected persons to the office of the Human Rights Monitoring Agenda (HURMA) led to our public declaration in early October 2022, by the Executive Director of HURMA, Comrade Buna Isiak on Radio that a radical action will follow if the government fails to address the situation with 2 months ultimatum. We are however indeed greatful that the Lagos State government has responded to the effect that some former complainants are now calling our office with smiles on their faces..
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The Human Rights Monitoring Agenda (HURMA) has commended the Lagos State government for its quick response to the group demand on the plight of intending Hajj pilgrims who were affected by the COVID 19 restrictions and so could not travel to Mecca for Hajj after complete payment. This include some applicants between 2019 and 2022.
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Some affected elderly men had approached the human rights office through the weekly radio Human Rights review program to express their sorrows and disappointment in the Lagos State government for refusing, since over a year, to return their monies. The people requested from HURMA through the Executive Director, Comrade Buna Olaitan Isiak, to please assist in ensuring urgent return of their hard earned money, even after the sorrows of disappointment which is though understandably beyond the state capacity. It was explained to the human rights office that some old affected people had died with the disappointment and sorrows.
The Executive Director of HURMA in his follow up activities appealed to the Lagos State government through the office of the governor and the first lady, Her Excellency, Mrs. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu to please address the issue as a matter of urgency. The Speaker of Lagos House of Assembly, Obasa was as well appealed to for quick address of the situation.
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It was actually the cries of some affected persons to the office of the Human Right Monitoring Agenda (HURMA) that led to the public declaration in early October 2022 by the Executive Director of HURMA, Comrade Buna Isiak on Radio that a radical action will follow if the government fails to address the situation with 2 months ultimatum. We are however indeed greatful that the Lagos State government has responded to the effect that some former complainants are now calling our office with smiles on their faces that they have been paid.
In a recent statement by the Director of Public Affairs, of Lagos State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board (LSMPWB), Taofeek Lawal, he explained that the beneficiaries are intending pilgrims who had willingly applied for refunds of their Hajj fares paid between 2019 and 2022 for the exercise in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, adding, however, that the beneficiaries are expected to fulfil some requirements before getting the refund.
Lawal said: “Those in the ‘I’m alive’ category are expected to produce the original and photocopies of receipt of payment, two passport photographs and any one of the followings, utility bills (PHCN, LAWMA, etc.), proof of residency (LASRRA card) or data page of their International passports”.
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“In the case of those who have died, the Next of Kins are expected to produce original and photocopies of the death certificate (from Government owned Hospitals, Health Centres, LASUTH, etc.), obituary, payment receipt and the data page of the deceased International Passport. Other requirements include two passport photographs of the Next of Kin, utility bill (PHCN, LAWMA, etc.) as well as proof of residency (LASRRA card)”, he added.
While noting that an indemnity form would also be filled by all the beneficiaries, he expressed the Board’s appreciation to those concerned for their patience and understanding.
