Connect with us

Published

on

banner

JUST IN; NAHCON hints of possible reduction in 2025 Hajj fare

Professor Abdullahi Saleh Usman, the Chairman/CEO of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), has suggested that the cost for Nigerians intending to undertake this year’s Hajj pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia could be reduced, pending the approval of certain waivers by the Federal Government.

Advertisement

On Monday, NAHCON announced the Hajj fares, with the Adamawa/Borno zone set at N8,327,125.59, the Northern zone at N8,457,685.59, and the Southern zone at N8,784,085.59.

The Commission described these fare structures as the result of extensive collaboration.

Advertisement

The Hajj Commission stated that the fare was approved by the Office of the Vice President, with input from the commission, the Presidency, and state pilgrims’ welfare boards “did their best to maintain the Hajj fare within the same range as previously charged”.

In an interview with journalists in Makkah, Saudi Arabia, a transcript provided by the Commission’s media team to reporters in Abuja, Prof. Usman revealed that NAHCON is anticipating waivers on certain charges.

Advertisement

If approved, these waivers could potentially reduce the fare for Nigerians this year.

Although Usman clarified that the commission did not receive direct financial support from the Federal Government, he acknowledged the government’s crucial role in facilitating engagements and discussions with various institutions.

Advertisement

“Actually, we have not received any financial support from the Federal Government. However, the Federal Government has played significant role in facilitating all the engagements, discussions with some institutions.

“We are also expecting waivers on some charges which if approved may likely being down the fare,” the NAHCON CEO said.

Advertisement

He stated that as a result of the commission’s consultations with Saudi-based service providers, it had successfully secured a reduction in the charges for services at the Masha’ir (the holy sites of Arafat, Mina, and Muzdalifah), bringing the cost down to SR4,050 from last year’s SR4,770.

“Our consultation, our contacting with service providers result to huge get huge discount from service providers. For example, the service provider who used to give us service at Masha’if, that is Arafat, Mina, and Muzdalifah, last year charged us SR4,770.

Advertisement

“With this discussion, this year they bring it down to SR4,050. This is the way we got it, ” the chairman informed.

Usman also announced that the deadline for payment of this year’s Hajj fare is January 31, emphasizing that any intending pilgrims who do not make their payment by this date will not be able to participate in the pilgrimage.

Advertisement

“The deadline for payment of Hajj fare this year, 2025 is by 31at January 2025. Anyone who could not pay before this date, it means he cannot participate in this year’s Hajj.

“This is not our decision, I mean it is not a decision of the commission. Even it is not a decision if the Federal Government; it is a decision if the Saudi Arabia government. So we cannot do any otherwise,” he said.

Advertisement

Usman explained that the variation in this year’s Hajj fare was due to the distance to Saudi Arabia, noting that the Adamawa/Borno zone is closer to the Kingdom than other parts of Nigeria.

He further clarified that airlines set their prices based on the distance to Saudi Arabia.

Advertisement
banner
Continue Reading
Advertisement

News

Eight persons killed, others injured in another fatal road accident

Published

on

banner

Eight persons killed, others injured in another fatal road accident

Eight persons died while three others were injured in a road traffic crash along the Potiskum–Dogon Kuka carriageway in Yobe.

Advertisement

The Yobe Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Mr Andrew Longkam, confirmed the incident on Thursday.

He said the crash occurred around Gaggaba on the Potiskum–Dogon Kuka axis at about 12:40 hours.

Advertisement

“Preliminary reports from Dogon Kuka Unit Command show the incident was promptly reported to the corps,” Longkam said.

FRSC operatives arrived within five minutes, enabling swift rescue, evacuation of victims, traffic control, road clearance and prevention of secondary crashes.

Advertisement

The crash involved a white Howo trailer, registration DAL 963YY, and a white Mitsubishi Canter, registration NNR 437XA.

“Twelve adult males were involved, with eight fatalities and four rescued, including three injured and one unhurt,” he said.

Advertisement

The injured and deceased were taken to Government General Hospital, Dogon Kuka, where the injured received prompt medical attention.

Longkam said the FRSC tow truck cleared the obstruction, restored traffic flow and notified the Police Motor Traffic Division in Dogon Kuka.

Advertisement

“Preliminary findings indicate the Mitsubishi Canter, suspected to excessive speeding, committed a route violation and crashed into the trailer,” he said.

He said excessive speed and route violation were suspected causes, adding that investigations were ongoing to determine the exact circumstances.

Advertisement

The sector commander urged motorists to avoid speeding, route violations and unsafe practices, assuring continued enforcement, emergency response and public education across the state. (NAN)

Advertisement
banner
Continue Reading

News

Reaction as Atiku’s Son defects to APC, backs President Tinubu’s reelection in 2027

Published

on

banner

Reaction as Atiku’s Son defects to APC, backs President Tinubu’s reelection in 2027

Former Vice President and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has addressed his son Abba Abubakar’s decision to join the All Progressives Congress (APC), describing it as a personal choice.

Advertisement

In a statement posted on his X handle, Atiku said, “The decision of my son, Abba Abubakar, to join the APC is entirely personal. In a democracy, such choices are neither unusual nor alarming, even when family and politics intersect.”

He added, “As a democrat, I do not coerce my own children in matters of conscience, and I certainly will not coerce Nigerians.”

Advertisement

The former vice president also highlighted his concerns about the ruling party, saying, “What truly concerns me is the poor governance of the APC and the severe economic and social hardships it has imposed on our people.”

“ I remain resolute in working with like-minded patriots to restore good governance and offer Nigerians a credible alternative that brings relief, hope, and progress.”

Advertisement
banner
Continue Reading

News

JUST IN; Oyo Governor, Makinde names Olubadan as Chairman Oyo Council of Obas

Published

on

banner

JUST IN; Oyo Governor, Makinde names Olubadan as Chairman Oyo Council of Obas

Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has inaugurated the Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs, declaring that the Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, will be heading the council for a period of 2 years.

Advertisement

The declaration follows the passing of the Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs (Further Amendments) Bill, 2025, by the state House of Assembly, and the signing of the same into law by the governor.

Recall that the lawmakers had amended Clause 5 of Section 28 of the Chieftaincy Law to make the Council chairmanship rotational among the Alaafin of Oyo, the Soun of Ogbomoso, and the Olubadan of Ibadanland.

Advertisement

While inaugurating the Council, Governor Makinde said he had consulted with the trio of the Alaafin, the Olubadan and the Soun, with the three of them reaching a consensus that the chairmanship should start with the Olubadan of Ibadanland, His Imperial Majesty Oba Rashidi Ladoja.

Advertisement
banner
Continue Reading

Trending

© 2025, All Rights Reserved | Crime Channels