Nigerian Pilgrim Returns $5,000 Found in Saudi Arabia, NAHCON Optimistic About Visa Resumption

A Nigerian pilgrim, Hajiya Zainab from Plateau State, has been praised for her honesty after returning $5,000 (about ₦8.24 million) she found in Saudi Arabia to its rightful Russian owner.

Zainab discovered the lost money at Masjidul Haram in Makkah on Tuesday, May 27.

Her integrity was confirmed by the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) and the Plateau State Pilgrims Board, led by Hon. Daiyabu Dauda.

Dauda commended her, saying,
“She showed exceptional honesty by returning $5,000 she found at Masjidul Haram. It’s a remarkable act of kindness.”

Meanwhile, NAHCON has announced ongoing talks with Saudi authorities to resume visa issuance for prospective pilgrims.

In a statement released on Wednesday, May 28, Fatima Sanda Usara, Assistant Director of Information and Publications at NAHCON, said Nigeria and other countries are urging Saudi Arabia to reopen visa processing.

She expressed hope for a positive result, adding,
“There is optimism for a positive outcome, and once achieved, the Commission will quickly arrange transportation for registered pilgrims.”

Usara also revealed that NAHCON has staff on standby, prepared to act promptly when the visa window reopens.