Hajj 2023: We’ll not impose extra cost on Nigerian pilgrims, NAHCON vows, as airlines increase fare
May 13, 2023 Fausiat Salako-Sanni
The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has assured intending pilgrims for this year’s Hajj that there won’t be further changes on the fare paid.
The Chairman/CEO Alhaji Zikrullah Kunle Hassan gave this assurance at the opening of a one-day workshop organised by the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah in collaboration with NAHCON held at the conference hall of hajj house in Abuja today as disclosed to the media by the Deputy Director Information, Mousa Ubandawaki.
The workshop titled “Training and capacity building for pilgrims groups and leaders” is part of the initiative to train Nigerian hajj managers on crowd control and management, communication skills, information and awareness campaign.
The chairman said that despite the $250 increment imposed by the air carriers, the Commission will not pass the extra cost on intending pilgrims.
“It is true that the air carriers have increased the charges by $250 (Two hundred and fifty 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 intending pilgrims to pay additional charges”, he assured.
The chairman also expressed dismay at the additional $63 charges for camp and electronic applications in visa processing cost by the Ministry of Hajj contrary to what had earlier been agreed by the two parties that there won’t be any extra cost at the pre-Hajj meeting”.
According to him, “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 intending pilgrims.
Alh. Zikrullah also 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 intending pilgrims and the country.
He therefore, urged the participants to take the training seriously, stressing that the workshop has the potential to impact positively on the success of this year’s Hajj.
SOURCE: Muslim News Nigeria
