The Independent Hajj Reporters, a civil society organisation that monitors and reports hajj activities has applauded states Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Boards for their efforts in keeping the cost of hajj within N1.5 million despite increase in some hajj services in Saudi Arabia.
This was contained in a statement jointly signed by its National Coordinator, Ibrahim Muhammed and Publicity Secretary, Abubakar Mahmoud.
The statement said that “the breakdown of the 2019 hajj fare shows that each pilgrim that paid N1.5 million will collect $800, an equivalent of (N288, 400 ) as Basic Travel Allowance, two pairs of suitcases that cost N16, 000:00 and a set of uniform that cost N4, 000.
“Also, each pilgrim will be fed twice for 35 days which costs about N85, 000. The remaining cost of the hajj package covers: Pilgrims accommodation in Makkah for 35 days, Madina 7 – 8 days, Return air ticket, transportation within Saudi Arabia which has been increased by 70% by the authorities in the holy land as well as hajj services in Mina, Arafat and Muzdalifa.
“The return air ticket that used to cost $1,750 dollar has now been bargained downward to $1,550. The Pilgrims accommodation in Madina has also been brought down by $50.
“Analysis of the breakdown shows that there is no increase in any component service that falls within the scope of states Muslim pilgrims’ welfare boards or National Hajj Commission of Nigeria.
“For example, the states Muslim pilgrim’s welfare boards that hitherto pay SR4, 000 for accommodation in Makkah are now to pay between SR3, 750 to SR3, 700 for the same accommodation”.
The group added that this year, Saudi Arabia has increased the cost of transportation by 70 per cent while Nigeria hajj stakeholders were able to peg the cost of some hajj services.
The statement further added that, “Countries like Gambia, Pakistan, Cameroun and Bangladesh saw their 2019 hajj fare increased by 70% – 80%”.
“Pakistan increased 2019 Hajj fare by Rs 1,56,975. In 2018. Pakistani pilgrims paid Rs2,70,000 last year, while, this year, they will pay Rs4,26,000.
“While reacting to a protest by Pakistanis over the increase, the Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs Ali Muhammad Khan said that 70 per cent of the newly-revised price of Hajj covers expenses in Saudi Arabia and is beyond the government’s control”.
It was on the basis of the above that IHR commends Nigerian Hajj Stakeholders for maintaining the 2018 hajj cost template despite obvious increase in some vital hajj components from Saudi Arabia.
