Stakeholders in the Hajj industry have called for the urgent release of the adjusted fare for next year?s Hajj to enable intending pilgrims to plan properly and manage their limited resources efficiently ahead of the deadline.

While awaiting the new fare, anxiety continues to mount as the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) concludes deliberations on the final downward review of Hajj fares, amid intensive preparations to meet guidelines issued by the Saudi Arabian authorities.

The Saudi authorities recently released updated health guidelines for all participating countries in response to global health concerns and specific advisories related to terminal illnesses.

Following the earlier announcement of the 2026 Hajj fare, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu directed NAHCON to immediately reduce the fare to reflect the current exchange rate of the Nigerian naira against foreign currency.

In early October, NAHCON announced fares of ?8,244,813.67 for Maiduguri/Yola, ?8,318,336.67 for Northern States, and ?8,561,013.67 for Southern States, using a benchmark exchange rate of ?1,550 to the US dollar, at a time when the actual market rate stood at around ?1,450 to the dollar.

Concerned by the high cost, the President ordered NAHCON to revise its fare template to reflect the naira?s recent appreciation against the dollar.

Mohammad Abdulsalam, a private Hajj operator in Kano, insisted that Nigerian pilgrims should not be paying more than ?6.8 million, considering the favourable exchange rate.

Abdulsalam argued that NAHCON should cut some hidden service charges to curb the consistent annual increase in Hajj costs, which limits the ability of average Nigerian Muslims to perform the pilgrimage.

Another stakeholder, Idris Abubakar, opined that the Hajj fare could further drop below ?7 million if the Federal Government granted waivers on aviation-related charges.

Barring any last-minute changes, NAHCON?s board is expected to release the adjusted fare on Thursday, in compliance with the Federal Government?s directive, a credible source disclosed.

?The board is currently meeting to deliberate on several issues, including the new Hajj fare. The outcome may be released tomorrow. The management has been engaging several stakeholders, including the Saudi Ministry of Hajj, to finalise preparations,? The Guardian was told.

Meanwhile, the Saudi authorities have reminded Nigeria?s Hajj regulators of the need for strict adherence to health guidelines and timely preparations ahead of the submission deadline.

Youssef Jamal Altharthi, a representative of the Saudi Ministry, emphasised the importance of early submission of pilgrims? data to ensure effective planning.

He made this statement during a virtual meeting with NAHCON management, where he also highlighted a new policy requiring pilgrims to receive their Nusuk cards upon arrival at the airport rather than at hotels or during departure to Makkah, to streamline operations.

Altharthi also urged NAHCON to ensure full compliance with health regulations and encouraged early visa processing to enable timely issuance of Nusuk cards.

In response, NAHCON Chairman, Prof. Abdullah Saleh Usman, outlined key milestones in Nigeria?s preparation, including the successful securing of initial camp booking slots and associated services, all aligned with the Saudi Hajj calendar.

On the matter of tour operators, Prof. Usman informed the Ministry that NAHCON is at an advanced stage of screening and will maintain the same grouping of companies into ten categories, as done in the previous year. He added that tour companies will retain their assigned camp zones from 2025.

Regarding airlift arrangements, Prof. Usman stated that the process of appointing air carriers for the 2026 operation is in its final stages.

?NAHCON will soon finalise and communicate the list of approved airlines to the Ministry, ensuring alignment with Saudi aviation protocols and paving the way for slot allocations and flight schedule harmonisation,? the NAHCON boss said.

In a statement signed by Ahmad Muazu of the Public Affairs Unit of the Commission, Prof. Usman reiterated NAHCON?s commitment to ensuring a well-organised and spiritually fulfilling Hajj for Nigerian pilgrims, in full alignment with the expectations of the Saudi authorities. (The Guardian)

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