The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) says it has saved over US$12.3 million on negotiation for accommodations to be used by Nigerian pilgrims in Madinah for 2017 Hajj exercise.

A statement issued by Uba Mana, NAHCON Head of Media, on Tuesday in Abuja , said such initiatives implemented by the Commission is to save the country and the pilgrims some funds under the economic recession witnessed recently.

“Already, results from the Madinah accommodation negotiations show that over US$12.3 million will be saved as compared to previous years,” he said.

He added that, in its bid to reduce the cost of Hajj for 2017, the commission also negotiated downward the cost of accommodations to be used by the Nigerian pilgrims in Makkah for this year.

This, according to him, followed the rigorous negotiations between the Commission and the landlords/reputable agents in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Mr. Mana said the Commission, whose team of inspectors and negotiators were in Saudi Arabia recently, by this has ensured that there will be no augmentation for pilgrims’ accommodation in Makkah, a success that 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 effect positively the 2017 Hajj fare, even as that of Makkah means that there would be no uniform Hajj fare for 2017 Hajj,” he maintained.

He said 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.

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