Foreign Exchange, Saudi Arabia Charges Influence Hajj Fares

In furtherance of the resolution adopted at the National Hajj and Umrah Conference last week, the Ulama Council of Nigeria has urged intending pilgrims to this year’s Hajj who have yet to pay up the balance of their fare to use the extended time to do so.

The advice was given at the Zonal sensitization /awareness campaign held in kano, So koto and Lagos during the week.

The Council said that contrary to the perception and believe that the Hajj fare was arbitrarily fixed by the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) , it was discovered through documentary evidence and facts that the Hajj fare was influenced more by the prevailing Naira/Dollar exchange rate and the new Saudi Arabia rates on some service provisions and therefore urged the pilgrims to hasten to make their outstanding payments to enable their states and NAHCON to commence Visa and other travel arrangements.

In the same vein, the Council has urged it’s members across the country to commence vigorous enlightenment/sensitization campaign at the various mosques and jumat  prayers on the need for intending pilgrims to pay up on time as well as imbibe good conduct during the Hajj exercise.

It urged it’s members to emphasize the need for the pilgrims to obey the rules and regulations of the host country and that of their Hajj officials especially as it relates to the carrying of prohibited items like drugs, “goro” as well as conducting themselves as good ambassadors of the country.

The Council also urged members to continue to pray for the good health of President Muhammadu Buhari as well as the peace and stability of the nation.

Uba Mana

Head, Media unit

National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON)

Abuja