The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has successfully negotiated reduced fees for the 2024 Hajj with the Saudi Arabian Government.
This achievement, spearheaded by Chairman Malam Jalal Ahmad Arabi and his team, focuses on easing financial burdens for Nigerian pilgrims amidst global economic challenges exacerbated by the Covid-19 pandemic and the conflict in Europe.
According to Fatima Sanda Usara, NAHCON’s Deputy Director of Public Affairs, the reductions cover airfare, accommodation, and Masha’ir packages. Specifically, accommodation costs in Madinah have decreased from SR 2,080 to SR 1,665, while those in Makkah dropped from SR 3,500 to SR 3,000.
Additionally, the Masha’ir package cost for 2024 Hajj pilgrims has been reduced to SR 4,770, down from SR 5,393, with a $138 discount on airfare compared to the previous year.
During meetings with state pilgrims’ welfare boards’ executive secretaries and chairmen, Arabi expressed gratitude for their cooperation and pledged transparency and inclusiveness in all Hajj-related matters. He provided updates on discussions with Mu’assasa and outlined plans for the upcoming Hajj.
In addition to negotiating reduced costs, NAHCON conducted thorough inspections of 61 high-rise hotel buildings in Makkah and 31 in Madinah. These inspections focused on verifying construction years, assessing maintenance status, and evaluating proximity to the grand Mosque, Haram, prioritizing buildings constructed within the past 1-10 years.
