Hajj pilgrims to pay lesser than N2.5m – Commission

Intending pilgrims to the 2022 Hajj departing from the southern part of Nigeria will pay N2,496,815.29, while those departing from the North will pay N2,449, 607.89.

Those departing from Adamawa and Borno will pay N2,408,197.89 because of their proximity to Saudi Arabia.

Intending pilgrims will also get their COVID-19 PCR test done at a discounted rate of N30,000.

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria announced the costs on Saturday in Abuja and said the cost of air fare is responsible for the different prices to be paid.

The commission’s chairman, Zikrullah Hassan, said in a statement that the Commission had requested for an increase in the number of pilgrims from Nigeria and was awaiting response from Saudi Arabia.

He enjoined pilgrims’ welfare commissions at the state level to continue to work on the number of pilgrims allocated to them rather than wait for increased allocation.

The chairman stated that while visas for officials and pilgrims in the inaugural flight were ready, states should start visa processing for all categories of registered pilgrims.

Hassan stated also that the Nigeria Immigration Service had promised to assist states having problems in processing travel passports for pilgrims.

NAHCON urged states to conclude funds remittances speedily to fast-track preparations and for the processing of Basic Travel Allowances for the pilgrims.

(NAN)