In a significant development, the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has successfully negotiated a reduction in charges for the 2024 Hajj pilgrimage with the Saudi Arabian Government.
The Deputy Director of Public Affairs, Fatima Sanda Usara, revealed in a statement on Thursday that these reductions encompass airfare, accommodation, and Masha’ir packages.
NAHCON Chairman, Malam Jalal Ahmad Arabi, and his team played a pivotal role in achieving this cost reduction, emphasizing the impact of global economic challenges, particularly the aftermath of the COVID-19 lockdown and the war in Europe, on intending pilgrims from Nigeria.
The statement highlighted specific reductions, such as the cost of accommodation in Madinah dropping from SR 2,080 to SR 1,665 and in Makkah from SR 3,500 to SR 3,000 compared to the previous year.
For the Masha’ir package, pilgrims of the 2024 Hajj will pay SR 4,770 (VAT inclusive), reflecting a decrease from SR 5,393 paid by last year’s pilgrims. Additionally, the airfare saw a commendable reduction with a $138 discount from the previous year.
Arabi, following meetings with state pilgrims’ welfare boards’ executive secretaries and chairmen, expressed gratitude for the cooperation received.
He assured transparency and inclusiveness in matters pertaining to the forthcoming Hajj during updates on the outcomes of discussions with Mu’assasa and plans on the ground for the pilgrimage.
During the inspection phase, a total of 61 high-rise hotel buildings in Makkah and 31 in Madinah were scrutinized, totaling 92.
The inspection team verified the years of each building’s existence, prioritizing those with 1-10 years after construction.
The maintenance status and proximity to the grand Mosque, Haram, were also considered, with the standard set at a maximum distance of two kilometers.
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