NAHCON Addresses Hajj Fare Hike Fears

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has allayed fears intending pilgrims, saying there would not be further increase in the fare payable.

The Chairman of NAHCON, Alhaji Zikrullah Hassan, gave the assurance at the opening of a one day workshop, organised on Saturday by the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, in collaboration with NAHCON in Abuja.

He said that in spite of the 250 dollar increment imposed by the air carriers, the commission would not impose the extra cost on the pilgrims.

“It is true that the air carriers have increased the charges by 250 dollars, because of the closure of the Sudanese airspace.

”Though we are still consulting to find an avenue to address the increase. However, whatever decision that we may arrive at, it won’t impact or require the pilgrims to pay additional charges.”

The chairman also expressed dismay at the additional 63 dollar charges for camp and electronic applications in visa processing cost by the Ministry of Hajj.

He said it is contrary to what had earlier been agreed by the two parties that there won’t be any extra cost at the pre-Hajj meeting.

“Though, we have written to protest this, and we are hoping for a positive response despite that we bore the cost without transferring same to the pilgrims.”

Hassan, however, prayed for the peaceful resolution of the Sudan crisis to save the lives of the innocent Sudanese.

He urged all feuding parties to sheath their swords in the interest of Islam, the innocent pilgrims and the country.

NAN