Sule Meets NAHCON Boss Over Rooftop Hajj Fare
Nasarawa State Governor Abdullahi Sule has expressed concern over the increase in this year’s Hajj fare.
The governor expressed worry at a meeting with the Chairman of the National Hajj Commission (NAHCON), Jalal Ahmed Arabi, yesterday in Abuja.
Addressing reporters after the visit, Sule said he was at the NAHCON headquarters to intervene in the recent increase in Hajj fares, especially for pilgrims from Nasarawa State, as well as those from other parts of the country.
The NAHCON recently increased this year’s Hajj fare with an additional N1.9 million after pegging it at N4.9 m
The commission is asking those who have paid the initial fare to add N1.9 million, thus raising the fare to N6.8 million.
It also set last Thursday (March 28) as the deadline for intending pilgrims to pay the balance, attributing the fare increase to a high foreign exchange rate.
Sule, who was accompanied by the Executive Secretary of Nasarawa State Pilgrims Welfare Board, Mallam Idris Ahmad Al-Makura, praised Arabi for extending the deadline to enable intending pilgrims complete the payment.
He said: “From what you have seen, there are challenges concerning the Hajj operations, where pilgrims were asked to bring additional money. I know a lot of states are complaining and I know what’s been going on.
“I have come firstly because of our own pilgrims in Nasarawa State and, secondly for the pilgrims for the whole nation. I know I am also speaking with some of my colleague governors to see what steps we can take.
“Now that I have first-hand information from him (Arabi), it gives me the opportunity to be able to share with the governors what we can do to ensure that our pilgrims are able to perform the Hajj this year.”
Arabi said he was encouraged by Sule’s visit, stressing that they always shared knowledge and experience on how the country could make progress.
“Each time we speak with His Excellency, including his coming in today, he has never spoken on behalf of Nasarawa alone. He speaks on behalf of his colleagues (governors).
“I can’t thank him enough. He came in today, a public holiday; yet, he took time off to come and see us and to continue on the words of encouragement he has been giving us.
“There are challenges, but I think with the kind of visits, counseling and encouragement that we are getting from especially people like him, we will weather the storm, by the grace of God,” he said.
