By Muhammad Mohammad
Glad tidings is coming the way of intending pilgrims of 2024 hajj as National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) finally secured a cost reduction from Saudi Arabia service providers.
The realization of deduction in the cost of essential services to be rendered to pilgrims’, including accommodation in Makkah, Madinah and Masha’ir; Air fare; VAT and other packages came after NAHCON’s frantic but successful bargain.
By implication, pilgrims already struggling to complete the initial deposit of N4.5 million and nursing fear of addition on final deposit could now have a rare of hope to perform this year’s pilgrimage.
Addressing state chief executives of hajj boards in Abuja on Wednesday, NAHCON Chairman, Malam Jalal Ahmad Arabi disclosed that the commission along other stakeholders were able to strike better deal with the providers during the pre-hajj visit at the Kingdom.
A statement by Hajia Fatima Usarah, Assistant Director, Public Affairs at NAHCON, the commission solicited mutual concession for reduced cost considering global economic realities affecting intending pilgrims from Nigeria in the aftermath of Covid-19 meltdown and the war in Europe.
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Mal. Arabi used the opportunity of the meeting to update the stakeholders on outcome of meetings with Mu’assasa and the plans on ground for the coming Hajj. The Chairman promised the members transparency and inclusiveness on every matter concerning the forthcoming Hajj.
“Resultant from the Chairman’s taming culture was a significant cut on negotiable services in Makkah, Madinah and Masha’ir in the interest of Nigerian intending pilgrims struggling to balance their Hajj deposits. Reductions were attained in the cost of air fare, accommodation and masha’ir packages.
“For instance, the cost of accommodation in Madinah dropped from SR 2,080 (Saudi Riyals) of 2023 to SR 1,665 this year. Similarly, cost of accommodation in Makkah was realized at SR 3000 against SR 3,500 of the previous year.
“Pilgrims of 2024 Hajj will pay SR 4,770 for Masha’ir package (VAT inclusive) against SR 5,393 paid by last year’s pilgrims. For air fare, the Commission was able to beat down the cost with a $138 discount from what was paid last year.
“To crown the well-coordinated visit, the Commission was recognized with an award by the 2024 Hajj and Umrah Conference and Exhibition Organizing Committees”. the statement said.
The Chairman also updated the meeting on the number, standard and facilities on accommodations secure in the holy cities for intending pilgrims during the pilgrimage.
“It is noteworthy that within the period of the inspection, a total of 61 high rise hotel buildings were inspected in Makkah and 31 in Madinah making in total 92. Staff on the assignment verified years of each building’s existence with preference for those with 1-10 years after construction.
“The buildings’ maintenance status and building location in relation to the grand Mosque, Haram were measured, where the standard was set from two kilometers down. Other inspection indices were accessibility by bus, ease of movement on sacred days through Tradudiyya routes and available fire precautionary measures plus firefighting equipment installed in the building.
“NAHCON also inspected and determined other essential facilities in the buildings. These facilities include number of bed spaces in each building, type of rooms and comfortability of beds, number of emergency exits, available staircases, number of elevators in the building, with their cumulative loads estimated at 30 per round. The number of elevators was crucial considering wait time during rush periods. The approved number of toilets per room was set at a ratio of five persons per toilet”.
The Chairman emphasized the NAHCON’s resolve settle for buildings with amenities for physically challenged persons, refrigerators, double-door wardrobes, availability of first aid boxes, water dispensers, functional air conditioners; intercom and internet/wifI are added advantages.