Hajj 2023: ‘Despite increase in fare, no pilgrim will be asked to pay more’-NAHCON Chairman

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has stated that despite the increase of about $313 (N141, 476) to the cost of this year’s Hajj pilgrimage, the commission will not ask intending pilgrims to make additional payments.
NAHCON Chairman, Zikirullah Kunle Hassan while giving his opening remarks at a one-day workshop for Hajj officials organized by the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, which held at the Hajj House in Abuja on Saturday said following the outbreak of conflict in Sudan and the closure of its airspace, the four Nigerian airlines chosen for Hajj 2023 has asked the commission for additional $250 per pilgrim’s flight ticket.
Alhaji Hassan also said that the commission had “while capturing date on May 6th realised that there Was an additional service charge of $63 from Saudi Arabia which was not captured during earlier negotiations ahead the announcement of final fare.
He said NAHCON had already written to the Ministry of Hajj of calling attention to the increase, adding, “we are hoping for a positive response”.
The NAHCON boss further said the commission “has decided not to add this burden to our intending pilgrims “.
Alhaji Hassan said NAHCON is now a self-sustainable entity which does not enjoy government sponsorship, instead, he says, the commission generates revenue for the government.
“Hajj is solely run from NAHCON purse,” Alhaji Hassan said.