No further increase in Hajj fare-- NAHCON boss.

 

By correspondent 

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has guaranteed intending pilgrims for this year's Hajj that there won't be further  on the fare paid.

This is contained in a statement by Mousa Ubandawaki,Deputy Director Information of the Commission in Abuja and a copy available to The Reporters Thursday. 

The Chairman/CEO Alhaji Zikrullah Kunle Hassan gave the 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.

The workshop,entitled "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 would not impose the extra cost on the pilgrims. 

He said:"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 pilgrims to pay additional charges."

The chairman also expressed dismay at the additional 63 dollars charges for camp and electronic applications  in visa processing cost by the Ministry of Hajj.

According to him, this is contrary to what has earlier been agreed by the two parties,  that there won't be any extra cost at the pre-Hajj meeting".

"Though, we have written to protest this and we are hoping for a positive response despite that,we bear the cost without transferring same to the pilgrims.

Alhaji Zikrullah,however, prayed for the peaceful resolution of the Sudan crisis to save the lives of the innocent Sudanese.

 He urged all feuding  parties to stealth their swords in the interest of Islam,the innocent pilgrims and the country. 

He, therefore,  urged the participants to take the training seriously, stressing that the workshop had the potential to impact positively in the success of this year's Hajj.

Edited by Dada Ahmed.