NAHCON ACHIEVES COST REDUCTION FOR PILGRIMS, AS HAJJ PREPARATIONS GET INTO FULL SWING
NAHCON ACHIEVES COST REDUCTION FOR PILGRIMS, AS HAJJ PREPARATIONS GET INTO FULL SWING
Jerry Adesewo
The Chairman of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Malam Jalal Ahmad Arabi, and his team have successfully concluded the pre-Hajj visit, focusing on critical arrangements for the 2024 Hajj with a primary emphasis on reducing costs for services provided to Nigerian pilgrims.
Collaborating with Executive Secretaries or Chairmen of State Pilgrims’ Boards and members of Private Tour Operators, the NAHCON Chairman spearheaded negotiations for a reduction in the costs of services provided in Makkah, Madinah, and Masha’ir, considering the economic challenges faced by intending pilgrims due to the aftermath of the Covid-19 pandemic and the ongoing war in Europe.
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As a result of the Chairman’s diplomatic efforts, there was a significant reduction in the cost of airfare, accommodation, and Masha’ir packages. For example, the cost of accommodation in Madinah decreased from SR 2,080 to SR 1,665, and in Makkah, the cost was reduced from SR 3,500 to SR 3,000. The Masha’ir package for the 2024 Hajj will cost SR 4,770 (VAT inclusive), compared to SR 5,393 paid by last year’s pilgrims. The NAHCON secured a $138 discount on airfare compared to the previous year.
“The intensive 10-day visit, conducted from January 7, 2024, to the end of the pre-Hajj inspection, marked a monumental success for the Commission. To cap off the successful visit, the Commission received an award from the 2024 Hajj and Umrah Conference and Exhibition Organizing Committee.” Fatima Sanda Usara, NAHCON’s Assistant Director of Public Affairs reveals.
During a meeting with State Pilgrims’ Welfare Boards’ Executive Secretaries and Chairmen on January 31, 2024, Malam Jalal Ahmad Arabi commended them for their cooperation during the visit. He provided updates on the outcomes of meetings with Mu’assasa and outlined plans for the upcoming Hajj. The Chairman assured transparency and inclusiveness on all matters related to the forthcoming Hajj.
The inspection process included evaluating 61 high-rise hotel buildings in Makkah and 31 in Madinah, totaling 92. The staff verified the age of each building, focusing on those with 1-10 years since construction, and assessed maintenance status, location concerning the Grand Mosque Haram, accessibility by bus, firefighting measures, and other essential facilities. The Commission prioritized amenities for physically challenged persons, including refrigerators, double-door wardrobes, first aid boxes, water dispensers, functional air conditioners, intercom, and internet/Wi-Fi in the selected buildings.