A Nigerian pilgrim, Hajiya Zainab from Plateau State, has been praised for her honesty after she found and returned \$5,000 (about ₦8.2 million) at the Masjid al-Haram in Makkah, Saudi Arabia.
The money, which belonged to a Russian pilgrim, was discovered on Tuesday. Without hesitation, Hajiya Zainab handed the cash over to officials of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), who later traced and returned it to its rightful owner.
Hon. Daiyabu Dauda of the Plateau State Pilgrims Board confirmed the incident, describing her action as “a remarkable display of integrity.” He said, “She demonstrated exceptional honesty by returning the money she found in the mosque. It’s a shining example for others.”
Her action adds to a growing list of commendable behavior shown by Nigerian pilgrims during the ongoing Hajj. Recently, Abba Limawa, a pilgrim from Jigawa State, returned over ₦1.6 million found in Makkah, which included \$800, 10,500 Russian rubles, and 690 Saudi riyals. Also, Muhammad Na’Allah from Zamfara returned €1,750 he discovered inside the Grand Mosque.
NAHCON officials have commended these acts, saying they reflect positively on Nigeria’s image in the international community.
In a related development, NAHCON has announced that it is in talks with Saudi authorities to reopen visa processing for intending pilgrims. Many Nigerians who registered for the 2024 Hajj have been left in limbo due to the temporary closure of visa issuance. According to Fatima Sanda Usara, NAHCON’s Assistant Director of Information, the commission is optimistic that a solution will be reached soon, allowing more pilgrims to travel under a special arrangement.
Meanwhile, the commission has raised concern over a case involving a female pilgrim from Zamfara State who gave birth in Madinah. According to NAHCON, the woman managed to bypass the mandatory pregnancy screening and later went into labor during the pilgrimage.
Professor Abubakar Abubakar Yagawal, NAHCON’s Commissioner for Planning, Research and Information, expressed concern over the safety risks involved and said the commission would work with state boards to tighten screening procedures in the future.
NAHCON also continues to warn pilgrims about criminals in the Holy Land, especially in Madinah, where reports of theft and scams have increased. Pilgrims have been advised to guard their Basic Traveling Allowance (BTA), personal items, and valuables to avoid being defrauded.
While challenges remain, NAHCON says it is working round the clock to ensure a safe, smooth, and honorable pilgrimage experience for all Nigerian pilgrims.
