Saudi Arabia reduces Hajj costs for Nigerian pilgrims

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), has secured a reduction in the charges for the 2024 Hajj from the Saudi Arabian government.

According to the NAHCON, the cost of accommodation in Madinah dropped from SR 2,080 (Saudi Riyals) in 2023 to SR 1,665 this year. Similarly, the cost of accommodation in Makkah was realized at SR 3000 against SR 3,500 in the previous year.

However, the reductions contained in a statement by Fatima Sanda Usara, the NAHCON’s Deputy Director of Public Affairs, were attained in the cost of airfare, accommodation and Masha’ir packages.

She disclosed that the achievement was made when the NAHCON Chairman, Malam Jalal Ahmad Arabi, led his team in making preparatory arrangements for the 2024 Hajj with a focus on cost reduction on services to be rendered to pilgrims from Nigeria.

Usara added that the chairman built his plea for the price adjustment on global economic realities affecting intending pilgrims from Nigeria in the aftermath of the COVID-19 lockdown and the war in Europe.

She said for instance, the cost of accommodation in Madinah dropped from SR 2,080 (Saudi Riyals) in 2023 to SR 1,665 this year. Similarly, the cost of accommodation in Makkah was realized at SR 3000 against SR 3,500 in the previous year.

According to her, “Despite losing the 2023 election, Kano Rep, Hafizu Kawu, completes unfinished constituency projects.”

She added that pilgrims of the 2024 Hajj will pay SR 4,770 for the Masha’ir package (VAT inclusive) against SR 5,393 paid by last year’s pilgrims.

For airfare, the commission was able to beat down the cost with a $138 discount from what was paid last year.

After rising from a meeting with state pilgrims’ welfare boards’ executive secretaries and chairmen, Arabi commended them for the cooperation his leadership enjoyed during the visit.

He updated the gathering on the outcome of meetings with Mu’assasa and the plans on the ground for the coming Hajj. The Chairman promised the members transparency and inclusiveness on every matter 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 of the Grand Mosque, Haram were measured, where the standard was set from two kilometres down,” he stated.