Barrister Zhikrullahi Hassan, Chairman-nominee for the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria, NAHCON, Wednesday, promised to work towards ensuring that the Hajj fares being paid by Nigerian pilgrims are reduced.

President Muhammadu Buhari, in December 2019, had appointed Hassan from Osun State as the new Chairman alongside 18 others as members of the Commission.

While speaking during his screening by the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs in Abuja, the chairman nominee also promised to reduce the stay for holy pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia if his appointment is confirmed by the Senate.

He described the current Hajj fares as “unaffordable” and needed to be reviewed downward, especially in the interest of the masses who wish to perform holy pilgrimage.

“One of the key demands that will be looked into is to ensure that Hajj fares are reduced to affordable rates, because as it is today, not many Nigerians can afford it.

“A savings scheme would also be put in place to make the payment of the fares easier for intending pilgrims. This will be the answer to the unaffordable Hajj fares.

“This is achievable since the same thing is happening in Malaysia and Indonesia. Nigeria cannot only do it, but do so immediately.

“I will sustain the achievements of the outgoing chairman, but also looks at the areas that require improvement. Present Act in abeyance will be enforced to the letter,” he said.

Hassan added that Nigeria, being the fifth country with the largest population of pilgrims in the world, would also have an international training institute on Hajj matters, under his leadership.

In his remarks, chairman of the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs, Senator Adamu Bulkachuwa, said that the committee would be carrying out thorough oversight of NAHCON with a view to assisting the Commission in effective discharge of its duties.

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