Hajj Commission Announces Reduction In 2019 Hajj Fares, Set To Refund Pilgrims

It is good news for Hajj Pilgrims as the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has done a downward review of the fares for the 2019 Hajj exercise.

NAHCON, in a statement released by its spokesperson, Fatima Sanda Usara, said the downward review was the result of re-classification of land transportation routes as well as reduction of their rates on the portal of the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah on transportation routes that will be used by Nigeria.

This is even as the United Arab Emirates, at the weekend announced Free tourist visa for children below 18 years.

According to the commission the review had led to a reduction of 620 Saudi Riyals equivalent to 165 US Dollars from what was stipulated in the earlier 2019 Hajj fare announced by various States, the FCT, and the Armed Forces.

The statement added that Nigerian pilgrims from all States of the Federation, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), and the Armed Forces are now to pay N51,170.45 less than the fares earlier announced.

The commission directed all States Pilgrims Welfare Boards, the FCT, and the Armed Forces to immediately announce the review and commence refunds to pilgrims that have paid over the reviewed fare.

After the review, if the sum of N51,170.45 is deducted from the fares earlier announced across the states, the highest fare to be paid is now ₦1,508,824.55, while the lowest rate will be ₦1,462,627.65.

In view of the current development, the commission said it had therefore extended the deadline for closure of pilgrims’ registration to 15th July 2019.

It further urged all intending pilgrims for 2019 Hajj to conclude their payments and all necessary registration procedures before the said date.

Meanwhile, the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) is scheduled to hold a stakeholder meeting to review and finalize all arrangements before the commencement of this year’s Hajj operations expected to start next month.

A statement signed by the acting secretary of the commission Alhaji Ahmad Maigari, states that the meeting, fixed for tomorrow is expected to be attended by the various committees set up by the commission for the exercise, state pilgrims welfare boards, and agencies, airlines contracted, and all relevant federal and state ministries, parastatals and agencies involved in the execution of the annual religious exercise.