The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) Alhaji Zikrullah Hassan, has attributed the increase in this year’s hajj fare to inflation rate both in Nigeria and Saudi Arabia as well as the scarcity of aviation fuel.
This year’s fare saw an increment from last year’s N2.5million to between N N2,880,000 and N2,999,000.
According to him, the 2023 Hajj fare incidentally has eight different costs. Pilgrims in Maiduguri and Yola departure centres in the North East will pay the sum of N2,890,000 and this includes their 800 dollars Basic Travel Allowance (BTA).
He said,
“For the other Northern States, we have agreed that the cost is N2,919,000, we now move to the South which has six different price regimes, Edo State is N2,968,000 and the entire South-South and South East are in this same price regime. Ekiti and Ondo States N2,880,000, Osun state is N2,993,000 and Cross River State incidentally has the cheapest which is N2,943,000, while that of Lagos, Ogun and Oyo states is N2,999,000.”
Hassan explained that NAHCON and the state pilgrims boards and agencies made several efforts to keep the fare at the barest minimum level, while also considering the economic feasibility and reality of the situation.
He stated,
“I am sure all of you will also agree with me that there has been a global trend in countries of the world to hike the hajj fare. The commission and all the 36 states and the FCT pilgrims’ boards reviewed the 2022 operation and resolved to do everything that will make us get every pilgrim that registered to Saudi Arabia in good time.
”We have also discussed the issue of Basic Travel Allowance (BTA) and Yellow Card and we have devised means to ensure that we are in control of the situation. We have also agreed that there will be zero tolerance for flight delay or cancellation this year and if there is such there will be sanction on the state or pilgrim or airline that is responsible for it.”
Hassan also said that President Muhammadu Buhari has approved seven airlines that the commission was going to operate with this year.
According to him, Air Peace, Azman Air, Flynas, Aero Contractors and Max Air, will fly pilgrims from the 36 states and FCT, while Arik Air and Value Jet Air will serve as chartered flights for the Licensed Tour Operators.
He noted that NAHCON and State Pilgrims boards have agreed to close the portal for new registration of intending pilgrims who are going through the Hajj Saving Scheme for hajj on April 7.
“But we have also agreed that April 21 will be the day for the final remittance of funds by those who want to go to hajj either through the hajj saving scheme or through the normal pay as go. We have also agreed that May 21, will be the day for the inaugural flight for the 2023 Hajj”, he added.
