By Shakirah Adunola and Murtala Adewale (Kano)
The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has cautioned state pilgrims welfare boards against issuing unauthorised hajj fare to intending pilgrims.
Besides, the commission threatened revocation of operating licence and withdrawal of 2023 Hajj allocation of any state board found guilty of pilgrims’ exploitation.
Besides, the commission threatened revocation of operating licence and withdrawal of 2023 Hajj allocation of any state board found guilty of pilgrims’ exploitation.
A statement by Deputy Director, Information and Publication, NAHCON, Mousa Ubandawaki, yesterday, raised concern over distortions floating around the new hajj fare by some state boards.
NAHCON reminded the public that the official amount approved by Federal Government and released by the agency on April 7 remains the same.
He said: “It has come to the attention of NAHCON that there are distortions floating around in the wake of announcement of the 2023 final Hajj fare by the Commission.
“It was noticed that some states are announcing fares different from the template jointly agreed upon by states and the Commission, and as approved by Federal Government.
We, therefore, want to reiterate that the total Hajj fare remains as announced by the Commission on April 7, which is less than N3 million.
“The fare is inclusive of local charges for all category of pilgrims under the state pilgrims welfare agencies.”
The statement further said: “It is, therefore, pertinent to appeal to stakeholders that we should work as a team in harmony and under a conducive, as well as peaceful atmosphere, such that we avoid any measure of exploitation of pilgrims.”
Source: The Guardian
