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“I ‘ll work toward reducing Hajj fares-In coming chairman, NAHCON promises
By Mohammed Alli

Abuja
Barr. Zhikrullahi Hassan, Chairman nominee for the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria, (NAHCON), has promised to work toward reducing Hajj fares being paid by Nigerian pilgrims when he assumes the mantle of leadership of the commission.

This will, however,be based on the confirmation of his nomination by the Senate.

He made the promise during his screening by the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs in Abuja on Wednesday.

The incoming chairman also promised to reduce the stay for holy pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia, if his appointment is confirmed by the Senate.

According to him,the current Hajj fares is “unaffordable” to many intending pilgrims, adding that it needed to be reviewed downward.

This development he said became imperative,especially in the interest of the masses who wish to perform holy pilgrimage but could not accomplish such faith ambition.

“One of the key demands that will be looked into is to ensure that Hajj fares are reduced to affordable rates, because as it is today, not many Nigerian Muslim intending pilgrims can afford them.

“A saving scheme would also be put in place to make the payment of the fares easier for intending pilgrims. This will be the answer to the unaffordable Hajj fares.

“This is achievable since the same thing is happening in Malaysia and Indonesia. Nigeria cannot only do it, but do so immediately.

“I will sustain the achievements of the outgoing chairman, but also looks at the areas that require improvement. Present Act in abeyance will be enforced to the letter,”he said.

He also said that Nigeria, being the fifth country with the largest population of pilgrims in the world, would also have an international training institute on Hajj matters, under his leadership,he further promised.

The Chairman of the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs, Sen. Adamu Bulkachuwa, said that the committee would carry out thorough oversight of NAHCON with a view to assisting the Commission discharge its duties effectively.