In its bid to reduce the cost of Hajj for 2017, the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has negotiated the cost of accommodation to be used by the Nigerian pilgrims in Makkah for this year downward.

This followed the rigorous negotiations between the commission and the landlords and reputable agents in Saudi Arabia.

NAHCON media head Uba Mana said in a statement that the commission, whose team of inspectors and negotiators were in Saudi Arabia, recently, has by this ensured that there will be no augmentation for pilgrims' accommodation in Makkah, the way it was also recorded for Madinah accommodation.

“By this success too, pilgrims will pay between 500 to 900 Riyals less for 2017 Hajj in Makkah, while in Madinah they will pay 614 Riyals less for even better accommodation. The reduction in the cost of Makkah and Madinah accommodation will therefore affect positively the 2017 Hajj fare even as that of Makkah means that there would be no uniform Hajj fare for 2017 Hajj.

“The previous regime of pegging the benchmark of the accommodation at SR4, 000 is over and each house will be paid for based on its merit and the laid down criteria by the Commission namely, proximity to the Haram, facilities and age of each accommodation,” Mana said.

He said the development is a laudable initiative the commission is implementing to save the country and the pilgrims some funds under the current economic recession.

He said results from the Madinah accommodation negotiations show that over US$12.3 million will be saved as compared to previous years. (Daily Trust)

Update news