In a statement issued by Mousa Ubandawaki, the Deputy Director of Information & Publications at NAHCON, the commission emphasized its commitment to ensuring a seamless airlift of pilgrims and providing them with excellent services throughout the Hajj process.

Ubandawaki clarified that the ongoing crisis in Sudan, which led to the closure of its airspace due to security concerns, has affected all Hajj airlift flights.

As a result, alternative routes with longer flight durations, ranging from 1 hour 40 minutes to 3 hours, depending on the departure points in Nigeria, had to be taken.

He explained, “These alternate routes require the carriers to fly through the airspace of Cameroon, Central African Republic (CAR), Uganda, Kenya, Ethiopia, and Eritrea, incurring additional costs for aviation fuel and over-flight charges.”

The commission thoroughly assessed various options to fund the additional $250 dollars for the airlines, engaging in multiple processes and meetings with the airlines, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, and the State Pilgrims Welfare Boards, in order to find a prompt solution to the challenges.

In an effort to mitigate the impact of the additional airfare on pilgrims, NAHCON decided to appeal to the Federal Government to waive the remaining 35% of aviation charges for the airlines. This would result in a reduction of $55 from the negotiated $250 addition.

Ubandawaki stated, “The remaining liability of $195 will be shared among the 75,000 pilgrims, amounting to approximately $117 per pilgrim.

To offset this amount without imposing further financial burden on the pilgrims, NAHCON has decided to reduce the Basic Travelling Allowance (BTA) for 2023 Hajj Pilgrims to $700, compared to the originally paid amount of $800 included in the Hajj package.”

Regarding the remaining $17, NAHCON has also requested the understanding of the air carriers to offer that amount as an additional discount to the pilgrims, who are also affected by the closure of Sudan’s airspace.

Ubandawaki further clarified, “If the Sudanese airspace is cleared for normal flights either before the commencement of the airlift or at any point during the operation, appropriate refunds will be issued to the pilgrims.”

He emphasized that the trending news reports are misrepresenting the facts, stating that NAHCON will never engage in any practices that exploit the pilgrims.

The commission remains committed to supporting the media and pilgrims by providing accurate information and maximum cooperation.

The fare increased from N2.5 million last year to between N2,880,000 and N2,999,000.

According to him, the 2023 Hajj fare has eight different prices. Pilgrims departing from Maiduguri and Yola in the North East will pay N2,890,000, which includes their 800-dollar Basic Travel Allowance (BTA).

”For the other Northern States, we have agreed that the cost is N2,919,000, we now move to the South which has six different price regimes, Edo State is N2,968,000 and the entire South-South and South East are in this same price regime. Ekiti and Ondo States are N2,880,000, Osun state is N2,993,000, and Cross River State incidentally has the cheapest which is N2,943,000, while that of Lagos, Ogun, and Oyo states is N2,999,000.”

Hassan explained that NAHCON and the state pilgrims boards and agencies made several efforts to keep the fare at the barest minimum level, while also considering the economic feasibility and reality of the situation.

He said: “I am sure all of you will also agree with me that there has been a global trend in countries of the world to hike the hajj fare. The commission and all the 36 states and the FCT pilgrims’ boards reviewed the 2022 operation and resolved to do everything that will make us get every pilgrim registered in Saudi Arabia in good time.

”We have also discussed the issue of Basic Travel Allowance (BTA) and Yellow Card and we have devised means to ensure that we are in control of the situation. We have also agreed that there will be zero tolerance for flight delay or cancellation this year and if there is such there will be sanction on the state or pilgrim or airline that is responsible for it.”.

Hassan further stated that President Muhammadu Buhari has approved the commission’s plans to operate with seven airlines this year.

Air Peace, Azman Air, Flynas, Aero Contractors, and Max Air, he says, will fly pilgrims from the 36 states and the FCT, while Arik Air and Value Jet Air will provide chartered flights for the Licensed Tour Operators.

He discussed that the NAHCON and State Pilgrims boards have agreed to close the portal for new registration of intending pilgrims using the Hajj Saving Scheme for Hajj on April 7.

“But we have also agreed that April 21 will be the day for the final remittance of funds by those who want to go to hajj either through the hajj saving scheme or through the normal pay-as-go. We have also agreed that May 21, will be the day for the inaugural flight for the 2023 Hajj”, he said.