NAHCON explains reason for Hajj rate increase

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has explained why the cost of Hajj for this year was increased compared to what Nigerian pilgrims paid in 2022.

The commission, on Friday, announced Hajj fare of between N2.9m and N2.8m with differential rates for states of the federation and Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

The Chairman of the commission, Zikirullah Kunle Hassan, said that the inflation rate both in Nigeria and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the increase in price and scarcity of aviation fuel as well as the exchange rate of naira to the dollar was responsible for the upward review.

Hassan explained that the leadership of NAHCON and the state pilgrims’ welfare boards made several efforts to keep the rate at the barest minimum, while also considering the economic feasibility and realities of the situation.

The NAHCON boss cited global trend in the hike of Hajj fare, essentially among participating countries of the world, noting that Nigeria was not immune to the pulling factors.

Hassan, however, stressed that both the commission and the states are committed to ensuring that all registered pilgrims enjoy the best of services in the movement to and from Saudi Arabia beginning from the inaugural flight billed for May 21.