Professor Abdullahi Saleh Usman, Chairman of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), has appealed to the Federal Government to direct the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to waive the 2% charge imposed on Hajj fare.
This move, according to Professor Usman, would significantly reduce Hajj fares and alleviate the financial burdens on Nigerian pilgrims, who are already struggling with the current economic challenges in the country.
Speaking in Abuja on Saturday, the NAHCON Chairman, who reiterated his commitment to enhancing the welfare of Nigerian pilgrims, noted that reducing the cost of Hajj has been one of his top priorities since assuming office, aiming to make the pilgrimage more affordable for Muslims across the country.
To achieve this goal, he said he has engaged key Hajj service providers, including airlines, Masha’ir service providers, accommodation providers and transportation companies.
He further pointed out that the negotiations have yielded significant reductions in various service costs, including Masha’ir Services, a reduction of over 700 Saudi Riyals per pilgrim from 4,770 Saudi Riyals last year, accommodation in Madinah, a reduction of 200 Riyals per pilgrim from 5,000 Riyals last year.
He added that he has also secured a 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.
Professor Usman expressed optimism that further adjustments will be made, leading to even more affordable fares.
He, however, appealed to the government to consider selling dollars to NAHCON at the official government exchange rate, which would further lower Hajj fares.
In addition, Professor Usman called on State Governors to support their respective State Pilgrim’s Welfare Agencies by providing loans to settle payments with NAHCON before the final payment deadline set by Saudi authorities.
The NAHCON Chairman emphasized the importance of timely payment and proper preparation for a successful Hajj pilgrimage, urging pilgrims to complete their payments promptly and State Pilgrim’s Welfare Agencies to intensify public enlightenment campaigns.
