The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has announced that it has already airlifted 67,000 pilgrims out of the 73,000 allotted to state welfare boards to perform the 2023 Hajj in Saudi Arabia. This year, the country is expected to fill its entire allotted slots for the first time, with only 6,000 pilgrims remaining to be airlifted in the coming days.
The Commissioner for Planning, Research, Statistics, Information and Library Services (PRSILS) at NAHCON, Sheikh Suleiman Momoh, stated during a press briefing that the remaining pilgrims will be airlifted to Saudi Arabia before the country’s airspace is closed by June 24. He also noted that the number of remaining pilgrims showcases the commission’s preparedness to ensure the airlift is free from challenges encountered in previous years.
Additionally, Sheikh Suleiman advised those interested in going for the Hajj in the future to join the Hajj Savings Scheme, which is designed to cushion the effect of the persistently rising cost of the Hajj. He stated that the Hajj fare has increased from N1.5m in 2019 to N3m in 2023 due to the prevailing economic situation, adding that the price will continue to rise unless new policies are put in place to regulate the financial aspect of the economy.
Furthermore, Sheikh Suleiman assured pilgrims going to Saudi Arabia with tour operators that they would also not be left behind. He called on all pilgrims to comply with the COVID-19 protocols to ensure a safe and successful Hajj.
In conclusion, this year’s Hajj in Saudi Arabia is set to accommodate a record number of Nigerian pilgrims, with strict measures in place to ensure their safety amid the ongoing pandemic. The Hajj Savings Scheme offers an opportunity for those interested in future Hajj pilgrimages to save up for the rising cost of the pilgrimage over the years.
