Pilgrims to pay N2.8m for 2023 hajj
Air Peace, Max Air, 5 others get approval
The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria, yesterday said the minimum price for the 2023 hajj per pilgrim would be N2.88million, while the highest is fixed at N2.99m.
Daily Trust Saturday reports that the increase is over N300,000 of what was paid during the 2022 hajj.
The chairman of the NAHCON, Zikrullah Hassan, who made the disclosure, said the rise in the hajj fare was due to inflation in Nigeria and Saudi Arabia, rise in foreign exchange rates in the official market, among others.
Hassan said the price was of eight categories, with Ondo and Ekiti States paying the lowest price of N2.88m, while the highest is Lagos, Oyo and Ogun States with N2.99m.
“Hajj fare has 8 different costs; pilgrims from Maiduguri and Yola will pay 2.89m; other northern states 2.919m. The southern part of the country has six different prices; Edo State and the other states in the South South and South East will pay N2.96m, while Ekiti and Ondo states will pay N2.88m. Osun State will pay N2.99m; Cross River is to pay N2.943m and Lagos, Ogun and Oyo to pay N2.99m,” he said.
He said the disparity in the price was because states in the North are closer to Saudi Arabia than the states in the South, adding that the category of accommodation secured by each state also determines the amount they will pay.
He said airlines approved for airlift of pilgrims from states include Air Peace, Azman Air, Fly Nas, Aero Contractors and Max Air, while Arik Air and Value Jet were approved as chartered aircraft for private tour operators.
He added that the commission would close the portal for those who choose hajj saving schemes by April 21, as well as remittance of funds.
“We decided to do this to ensure that all operation activities are not dragged,” he said.
He said May 21 had been scheduled for the inaugural flight.
“We are committed to taking every citizen that registered for hajj this year,” he said.