Nigerian Pilgrim Hajiya Zainab Returns Missing $5k To Russian Owner 

Nigerian pilgrim identified as Hajiya Zainab from Plateau State has returned a missing $5,000 to a Russian owner in Saudi Arabia.

The money, approximately ₦8,240,000 using an exchange rate of ₦1,648 per USD, was found by the Nigerian pilgrim in Masjidul Haram in Makkah on Tuesday.

The National Hajj Commission (NAHCON) and Plateau State Pilgrims Board, led by Hon. Daiyabu Dauda, confirmed the development.

“She demonstrated exceptional integrity and honesty by returning $5,000 she found in Masjidul Haram to its rightful owner. That’s a remarkable act of kindness!

“Her actions embody the values of honesty, trustworthiness, and compassion, which are essential for a Muslim. May her story inspire others to emulate her exemplary behaviour,” Dauda said.

Meanwhile, NAHCON says discussions are ongoing with Saudi authorities over the reopening of visa issuance for intending pilgrims.

A statement issued on Wednesday by Fatima Sanda Usara, Assistant Director of Information and Publications, said several countries, including Nigeria, were pressing the Saudi government to lift the closure on visa processing.

Usara said the commission was optimistic that the talks would lead to a favourable outcome.

“There is optimism for a positive outcome, and when that is realised, the Commission will immediately transport the registered pilgrims for the Hajj in another special arrangement,” she said.

She explained that the commission had put some of its staff on standby to manage the situation in case the visa window is reopened.

“NAHCON wishes to reassure intending pilgrims who are affected by the recent visa closure that the Commission, along with other affected countries, continues to engage with relevant Saudi authorities to explore avenues for reopening of visa issuance to enable affected pilgrims to participate in the season’s pilgrimage to Makkah,” she said.

Also, FlyNas has concluded its official airlift of Nigerian pilgrims under the government quota ahead of the earlier scheduled May 29 return.

The final batch of pilgrims from Kebbi State arrived in Saudi Arabia on Monday, bringing the total number conveyed by the airline to 41,546.

According to the commission, a special flight has been arranged for May 28 to transport Abdullahi Usman, chairman of the commission, alongside other senior officials, and 22 pilgrims who were previously unable to travel due to various reasons.

She said the passengers comprised 13 from Nasarawa, three from the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and six from Kaduna.

Usara said that UMZA Aviation would operate private flights for tour operators on May 29 and 30, with some VIPs expected to join.