I’ll slash hajj fares – NAHCON chair nominee

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NICON) The chairmanship nominee for the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria, Zhikrullahi Hassan, says he will reduce hajj fares if his appointment is confirmed by the Senate. Hassan, who spoke during his screening by the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs, yesterday in Abuja, described the current hajj fares as “unaffordable” and needed to be reviewed downward, especially in the interest of the masses who wish to perform holy pilgrimage.

He said a hajj savings scheme would be put in place to make the payment of the fares easier for intending pilgrims. “I will sustain the achievements of the outgoing chairman, but also look at the areas that require improvement. Present Act in abeyance will be enforced to the letter,” he said.

Hassan also promised to ensure that the number of days being spent in Saudi Arabia by Nigerians during pilgrimage are reduced, saying they used to stay too long.