By Enyichukwu Enemanna
Intending pilgrims for the 2023 Hajj in Saudi Arabia may pay as much as N2.89m ($6,278.10) Nigeria’s National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has announced, citing inflation in both countries for the higher fare.
“The reason for the increase is due to inflation rate in Nigeria and Saudi Arabia, high cost of goods and services in Saudi Arabia and scarcity of aviation fuel. Also, there has been an increase in the exchange of naira to dollar at the official rate, we tried to keep the fare at a minimum level while taking a view of the economic condition of the people going for hajj”, Chairman of NAHCON, Zikrullah Hassan on Friday.
The figure is over N300,000 compared to what was paid during the 2022 hajj. Hassan said the price is of 8 categories, with Borno and Yobe States paying the lowest price while the highest is Lagos and Ogun States, N2.99m.
“Hajj fare has 8 different costs, pilgrims from Maiduguri and Yola, will pay 2.89m other northern states 2.919m. The southern part of the country has six different prices, Edo State and the other states in the South South and South East will pay N2.96m while Ekiti and Ondo States will pay N2.88m, Osun State will pay N2.99m. Cross River to pay N2.943m and Lagos, Ogun and Oyo to pay N2.99m,” he stated.
He explained the disparity in the price is because states in the north are closer to Saudi Arabia than the states in the south and accommodation secured by each state also determines the amount they would pay.
He said the airlines approved for airlift of pilgrims from states are; Air Peace, Azman Air, Fly Nas, Aero Contractors and Max Air while Arik Air and Value jet were approved as chartered aircraft for private tour operators.
“There is hike from other parts of the world like Ghana, Pakistan, India, Niger among others,” he added.
Nigeria’s inflation rose to 21.82 per cent in January compared to 21.34 per cent in December, the National Bureau of Statistics had announced.
The January 2023 inflation rate showed an increase of 0.47 per cent points when compared to December 2022 inflation rate, it said.
The galloping inflation has plunged many citizens into hardship, with numerous others finding it extremely difficult to meet their basic daily needs.
NBS also announced a rrise in food inflation caused by increases in prices of bread and cereals, oil and fat, potatoes, yam and other tubers, fish, vegetables, fruits, and meat.
