In a remarkable display of honesty and integrity, a Nigerian pilgrim, Hajiya Zainab from Plateau State, has returned a missing sum of $5,000 (approximately ₦8.24 million) to its Russian owner at the Masjidul Haram in Makkah, Saudi Arabia.
The commendable act, which occurred on Tuesday, was confirmed by the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) and the Plateau State Pilgrims Welfare Board.
The Executive Secretary of the Board, Hon. Daiyabu Dauda, praised Hajiya Zainab’s conduct, describing it as a shining example of the virtues expected of Muslims.
“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,” Dauda said.
“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.”
The incident has since drawn admiration across the Nigerian Hajj community, with officials urging pilgrims to take a cue from Zainab’s selflessness.
Meanwhile, NAHCON has disclosed that talks are ongoing with Saudi authorities regarding the reopening of visa issuance for intending pilgrims, following the recent suspension of visa processing.
Fatima Sanda Usara, NAHCON’s Assistant Director of Information and Publications, said in a statement on Wednesday that several countries, including Nigeria, are in discussions with the Saudi government to lift the restriction.
“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.
Usara added that NAHCON had mobilised staff to manage operations swiftly in the event of a reopening.
“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,” she stated.
In related developments, FlyNas, one of the official Hajj carriers, has concluded the airlift of Nigerian pilgrims under the government quota, ahead of its earlier May 29 deadline.
The final batch of pilgrims from Kebbi State arrived in the Kingdom on Monday, bringing the total number transported by the airline to 41,546.
NAHCON also disclosed that a special flight had been arranged for May 28 to ferry the Commission’s Chairman, Abdullahi Usman, alongside other senior officials and 22 pilgrims who missed their earlier departure.
The passengers include 13 from Nasarawa State, three from the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), and six from Kaduna State.
Private charter operator UMZA Aviation is also scheduled to operate flights for tour operators on May 29 and 30, with VIP passengers expected to be among those on board.
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