THE Federal Government has released the fares for this year's hajj operations. They are in three categories — minimum (N520, 249.75); medium (N553,999.75); and maximum (N621,499.75) — for intending pilgrims from the 19 states in the northern Nigeria as well as the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.
Pilgrims from the South are required to pay N527,067.25 (minimum); N560,817.25 (medium); and N628,317.25 (maximum). However, the Basic Transport Allowance (BTA) is inclusive in the fares as every pilgrim is entitled to $750 (minimum); $1000 (medium); and $1500 (maximum) in both cases (north and south).
The fares this year, according to Head, Media Unit, the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Alhaji Uba Mana, attracted eight per cent hike "because of increment in the cost of accommodation in Saudi Arabia and incessant rise in prize of Aviation Fuel."
Alhaji Mana hinted that the difference in the fares payable by the pilgrims from the North and the South "is because northern part of Nigeria is closer to Saudi Arabia." He also said that the Federal Government had given a concessionary exchange rate of N135 to $1.
Government had, last week, approved the appointment of Kabo Air, Medview Airline, Max Air, Meridian Airline, Ethiopian Air and NAS Air as official carriers for regular pilgrims and Tradecraft airline for Tour Operator's pilgrims for the spiritual journey.
As a result, NAHCON had directed states, FCT and Armed Forces to select among these airlines to convey their pilgrims to and from Saudi Arabia. Such decisions would enable the Hajj Commission to complete documentation with the carriers and other relevant agencies in Nigeria and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
The Guardian