The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria has disclosed plans to sanction erring state pilgrims’ welfare boards that charge intending pilgrims beyond the official fares jointly agreed upon by the commission and the state boards.
In a statement by Deputy Director, Information and Publications, Mousa Ubandawak on Tuesday, the commission stated that Hajj fares announced last week Friday remain valid and is inclusive of local charges for all categories of pilgrims under the state pilgrim’s welfare agencies.
He also reiterated that the 2023 fare remains less than N3 million.
It further warned that any states exploiting their intending pilgrims would either have their operational licence revoked or the 2023 Hajj allocation withdrawn with immediate effect.
Part of the statement read, “It has come to the attention of National Hajj Commission of Nigeria that there are a lot of distortions floating around in the wake of the announcement of the 2023 final Hajj fare by the Commission as some states are announcing fare different from the ones jointly agreed by the states and the Commission and as approved by the government.
“Therefore, we hasten to hereby reiterate the followings: Firstly, the total Hajj fare remains the one announced by the Commission on Friday, April 7th, 2023 which is less than N3,000,000 (Three million naira) inclusive of local charges for all categories of pilgrims under the State Pilgrims Welfare Agencies.”
The commission appealed to all stakeholders to work harmoniously with the Hajj body as a team in harmony and under a conducive and peaceful atmosphere to avoid exploitation of the pilgrims.
“It is important to appeal to all the stakeholders that we should work as a team in harmony and under a conducive and peaceful atmosphere, such that we avoid any measure of exploitation of the pilgrims.
“We will ensure pilgrims get value for money in terms of the price and facilities they will enjoy during the pilgrimage”.
“While we are not unmindful of the financial situation in some states, however, we hasten to reiterate that the Commission will not hesitate to sanction erring states’ welfare boards by either revoking its operational license or withdrawing the 2023 Hajj allocation with immediate effect”.
