The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), has given reasons why the cost of Hajj fare has been increased this year. While the fare was a little less than N2.5 million last year, NAHCON on Friday announced a little less than N3 million as the fare for this year.
Explaining the reasons ahead the announcement, Chairman of the commission, Zikirullah Kunle Hassan said factors such as the inflation rate both in Nigeria and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the increase in price and scarcity of aviation fuel as well as the increase in the exchange of the Naira to the Dollar at the official rate all combined to force an upward review of the fare.
Alhaji Hassan however, explained that leadership of NAHCON and the states pilgrims Welfare boards “made several efforts in order to keep the fare at the barest minimum while also considering the economic feasibility and realities of the situation “.
The NAHCON boss also stated that there have been a global trend in the hike of #Hajj fare among countries of the world due to the global inflationary trends.
Commitment to Better Services
Alhaji Hassan also announced that both the commission and the states have committed to ensuring that all registered pilgrims enjoy the best of services especially as regards the movement to and from Saudi Arabia beginning from the inaugural flight billed for May 21.
READ: 2023 HAJJ FARE: NAHCON TO MEET STATES PILGRIMS’ BOARDS, SERVICE PROVIDERS IN SAUDI ARABIA
“Having reviewed last year’s operations, we have resolved that everything that will make May 21st sacrosanct and to also make us get all registered pilgrims to the Kingdom, we must ensure that every obstacle is tackled and in good time”.
He said already, the commission have devices means to ensure that it is in control of issues around yellow card and Pilgrims BTA.
“We have also agreed on non-tolerance of flight delays or cancellations this year. If there are such, there will be sanctions. If it is a state that caused it, it will be sanctioned, if it is the pilgrims, they will be sanctioned and if it the airline, it will also be so sanctioned “.
“But we have also agreed that instead of waiting for sanctions, we will all work together to ensure that Insha Allah, we will take all the pilgrims to the Kingdom and in good time” Alhaji Hassan said.
