The Chairman /Chief Executive Officer of the of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Alh Zikrullah Kunle Hassan, has said the agency is not going back on its plans to reduce Hajj fares by 10 per cent.
He also urged all stakeholders to unite in reducing the fares and uplifting the welfare of Nigerian pilgrims.
He said the resolve of the board to reduce the 2020 Hajj fares was consistent with the yearnings and aspiration of the government and Nigerians.
Hassan made the declarations at a meeting with accommodation and catering service providers in Makkah.
A statement by Musa Ubandawaki of the Public Affairs Unit of the agency said the service providers said they will support NAHCON to bring down the cost of Hajj.
Hassan however claimed that the reduction in fares was aimed at allowing more Nigerian Muslims to be able to fulfill their religious obligation.
He said: “Our board intends to achieve at least 10 per cent reduction and to match reality with expectations.
“Our board and the entire staff of the commission have adopted this single declaration. Therefore, we are all committed to achieving the declaration.”
Hassan said the commission would ensure that “both parties (the pilgrims and the service providers) are better and happier for the effort as it would guarantee higher turnout of pilgrims with attendant profit for them.
“I’m here to ensure that you and the pilgrims are happy this year and even in the future by accepting to reduce the amount on accommodation and other services. We therefore need your support to do this,” he added.
On his part, the Chairman Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs Senator Mohammed Bulkachuwa praised NAHCON’s decision to reduce fares.
He said the National Assembly will give full support to the agency to make it realistic.
He said: “We are proud of NAHCON. We know that all eyes are on you now both from the Government and the people especially with the change of baton of the leadership.
“ The expectations are very high but be assured that the Senate is quite solidly behind you in this task. Whatever may be your obstacle, we are ready to assist you to surmount it if not for anything but to do it for the sake of Allah ”
The commission began the inspection of accommodation and catering facilities in Saudi Arabia ahead of 2020 Hajj.
The exercise, which is one of the preconditions for the negotiation of prices was concluded on March 2nd.
The inspection team was divided into three groups whose report will form the basis for negotiation.
Each of the group was headed by a director in NAHCON with five other members including representatives of the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, the Nigerian Consulate in Jeddah as well as members of the Senate and House of Representative Committees on Foreign Affairs and Hajj Matters.