2023 Hajj: NAHCON Warns States Against Extortion Of Pilgrims

 National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has warned against the distortion of the 2023 Hajj fare, insisting that the total fare for 2023 Hajj remains the one announced by the commission as approved by the government.

Last Friday, the commission announced the total hajj fare of less than N3,000,000 inclusive of local charges for all categories of pilgrims under the State Pilgrims Welfare Agencies.

But the commission yesterday in a statement issued by its deputy director of information and publications, Mousa Ubandawaki, said there are a lot of distortions floating around in the wake of the announcement of the final fare for 2023 Hajj and warned that it will not hesitate to sanction any state (SPWB) that fails to adhere to the agreed fare.

“It has come to the attention of National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) that there are a lot of distortions floating around in the wake of the announcement of the 2023 final Hajj Fare by the Commission as some states are announcing fare different from the ones jointly agreed by the states and the commission and as approved by the government.

“Therefore, we hasten to hereby reiterate that the total Hajj Fare remains the one announced by the Commission on Friday 7th April, 2023 which is less than N3,000,000 (Three million naira) inclusive of local charges for all category of pilgrims under the State Pilgrims Welfare Agencies,” the statement said.

NAHCON while emphasizing its commitment to the welfare of the pilgrims in ensuring that they have value for their money in terms of the price and facilities they will enjoy during the pilgrimage, appealed to all stakeholders to work as a team in harmony and under a conducive and peaceful atmosphere devoid of exploitation of the pilgrims.

“While we are not unmindful of the financial situation in some States, however, we hasten to reiterate that the Commission will not hesitate to sanction erring States (SPWBs) by either revoking its operational licence and or withdrawing the 2023 Hajj Allocation with immediate effect.

“Once again, NAHCON wishes to reiterate its commitment to the welfare of our pilgrims and ensure that they have value for money in terms of the price and facilities they will enjoy during the pilgrimage.”