Saudi Arabia slashes cost of hajj pilgrimage for Nigerians
The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has announced that the charges for the 2024 Hajj from the Saudi Arabian Government have been reduced following negotiations.
Fatima Sanda Usara, the Commission’s Deputy Director of Public Affairs, revealed in a statement that the reductions were achieved in the cost of airfare, accommodation, and Masha’ir packages.
The reduction in charges came after the NAHCON Chairman, Malam Jalal Ahmad Arabi, led a team in making preparations for the 2024 Hajj with a focus on cost reduction for services to be provided to pilgrims from Nigeria.
Arabi’s plea for price adjustments was based on global economic realities affecting intending pilgrims from Nigeria in the aftermath of the COVID-19 lockdown and the ongoing war in Europe.
The statement highlighted specific cost reductions, such as accommodation in Madinah dropping from SR 2,080 to SR 1,665, and accommodation in Makkah being reduced from SR 3,500 to SR 3,000 compared to the previous year.
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Pilgrims for the 2024 Hajj will pay SR 4,770 for the Masha’ir package (VAT inclusive) against the SR 5,393 paid by last year’s pilgrims.
Additionally, the Commission secured a $138 discount on airfare from the previous year.
Following a meeting with state pilgrims’ welfare boards’ executive secretaries and chairmen, Arabi commended them for their cooperation during the visit.
He assured the members of transparency and inclusiveness on all matters concerning the forthcoming Hajj.
“It is noteworthy that within the period of the inspection, a total of 61 high-rise hotel buildings were inspected in Makkah and 31 in Madinah making a total of 92. Staff on the assignment verified the years of each building’s existence with a preference for those with 1-10 years after construction.
“The buildings’ maintenance status and building location in relation to the grand Mosque, Haram were measured, where the standard was set from two kilometers down,” he stated.
