Hajj fare increment: NAHCON blames inflation, scarcity of aviation fuel 

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has spoken on the issue of  the high cost of Hajj for this year being increased compared to what Nigerian pilgrims paid in 2022.

The commission, on Friday, April 7th, announced Hajj fare to be  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 had made several efforts to keep the rate at the barest minimum without undue hurt to the pilgrims, while also considering the economic feasibility and realities of the situation.

The NAHCON boss cited that the  hike of Hajj fare was a global trend, 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 21st.