*Photo: Alhaji Hassan, NAHCON Chairman/CEO *
By Mousa Ubandawaki
The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has assured intending pilgrims for this year’s Hajj that there won’t be further changes on the fare paid.
The Chairman/CEO Alhaji Zikrullah Kunle Hassan gave the assurance at the opening of a one day workshop organised by the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah in collaboration with NAHCON held at the conference hall of hajj house in Abuja today.
The workshop Titled “Training and capacity building for pilgrims groups and leaders is part of the initiative to train Nigerian hajj managers on crowd control and management communication skills, information and awareness campaign.
The chairman said that despite the $250 increment imposed by the air carriers, the Commission will not impose the extra cost on the pilgrims. “It is true that the air carriers have increased the charges by $250 ( Two hundred and fifty dollars) because of the closure of the Sudanese airspace. Though we are still consulting to find an avenue to address the increase. However whatever decision that we may arrive at, it won’t impact or require the pilgrims to pay additional charges.
The chairman also expressed dismay at the additional 63 dollars charges for camp and electronic applications in visa processing cost by the Ministry of Hajj contrary to what had earlier been agreed by the two parties that there won’t be any extra cost at the pre-Hajj meeting.
“Though, we have written to protest this and we are hoping for a positive response despite that we borne the cost without transferring same to the pilgrim,” he said.
Alh. Zikrullah however prayed for the peaceful resolution of the Sudan crisis to save the lives of the innocent Sudanese. He urged all feuding parties to stealth their swords in the interest of Islam,the innocent pilgrims and the country.
He therefore urged the participants to take the training seriously stressing that the workshop has the potential to impact positively in the success of this year’s Hajj.
*Mousa Ubandawaki
is Deputy Director Information, NAHCON
