The Chairman of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Prof. Abdullahi Saleh Usman has appealed to the Federal Government to direct the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to waive the two per cent charge imposed on Hajj fare.
According to him, the move would significantly reduce Hajj fares and alleviate the financial burdens on the pilgrims, who are already struggling with the current economic challenges in the country.
In Abuja on Saturday, the NAHCON Chairman, who reiterated his commitment to enhance the welfare of Nigerian pilgrims, noted that reducing the cost of Hajj has been one of his top priorities since assuming office in order to make the pilgrimage more affordable for Muslims across the country.
To achieve this goal, he said that has engaged key Hajj service providers, including airlines, Masha’ir (ceremonies and rites of the Hajj) service providers, accommodation providers and transportation companies.
He further said that the negotiations have yielded significant reductions in various service costs including Masha’ir services, a reduction of over 700 Saudi Riyals per pilgrim, which was 4,770 Saudi Riyals last year; a reduction of 200 Riyals per pilgrim, from 5,000 Riyals last year., for accommodation in Madinah.
Usman added that he has also secured reduction in transportation from 1,300 Riyals to 130 Riyals per pilgrim and a reduction of $399 airfare per pilgrim, despite varying airfare costs across regions due to Nigeria’s geographical diversity.
He expressed optimism that further adjustments would be made, leading to even more affordable fares.
He, however, appealed to the government to consider selling US dollars to NAHCON at the official government exchange rate, which would further lower Hajj fares.
Usman also called on gpovernors to support their respective state pilgrims’ welfare agencies by providing loans to settle payments with NAHCON before the deadline set by Saudi authorities.
The NAHCON Chairman emphasised the importance of timely payment and proper preparation for a successful Hajj pilgrimage, urging intending pilgrims to complete their payments promptly and state pilgrims’ welfare agencies to intensify public enlightenment campaigns.
