The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has insisted that the fare for the 2023 Hajj exercise is still less than N3 million, warning that it would not hesitate to sanction erring State Pilgrimage Welfare Boards (SPWBs) that collect beyond the government approved fare.
NAHCON sounded this note of warning on Tuesday (April 11, 2023) in Abuja, stressing that the sledge hammer of the commission would fall on the erring SPWBS by revoking its operational license or withdrawing the 2023 Hajj Allocation with immediate effect.
This warning was contained in a statement signed by the NAHCON Deputy Director, Information and Publications, Alhaji Mousa Ubandawaki and made available to the public.
“It has come to the attention of National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) that there are a lot of distortions floating around in the wake of the announcement of the 2023 final Hajj Fare by the Commission as some States are announcing fare different from the ones jointly agreed by the States and the Commission and as approved by the Government”.
“Firstly, that the total Hajj Fare remains the one announced by the Commission on Friday 7th April, 2023 which is less than N3,000,000 (Three million naira) inclusive of local charges for all category of pilgrims under the State Pilgrims Welfare Agencies”.
“It is important to appeal to all the stakeholders that we should work as a team in harmony and under a conducive and peaceful atmosphere, such that we avoid any measure of exploitation of the Pilgrims”.
“While we are not unmindful of the financial situation in some States, however, we hasten to reiterate that the Commission will not hesitate to sanction erring States (SPWBs) by either revoking its operational license and or withdrawing the 2023 Hajj Allocation with immediate effect”.
“Once again, NAHCON wishes to reiterate its commitment to the welfare of our pilgrims and ensure that they have value for money in terms of the price and facilities they will enjoy during the pilgrimage” the statementread in part.
