I am writing this piece as a concerned Nigerian muslim, over the constant and unabated hike of hajj fare in Nigeria, year in year out.
It is high time and imperative at this point in time when the economic realities are biting hard against the vast majority of Nigerians for people of conscience, sympathy, and love for Allah’s blessings to make passionate calls and appeals to airline companies that will transport Nigerian pilgrims for 2025 hajj, to consider offering a drastic reduction of air ticket fee, from the current $2000 Dollars or thereabouts to atleast $1500 Dollars or even less per head, and the pilgrims be allowed to pay the fee in our domestic currency which is the (Naira).
Definitely, if this is done it will go a long way and also translate in reducing the cost of hajj fare in the country, thereby making it possible for more muslim faithfuls to afford the all-important lifetime journey of pilgrimage.
Despite the fact that, the airline companies themselves pay some taxes or charges to the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) and other agencies,for landing and taking off such as N25,000 for every landing of aircraft, 15% ticket/cargo, 1% development tax,7.5 Value Added Tax and of course, some other Aeronautical charges.
However, all these taxes put together should not warrant the exorbitant ticket fee being charged on our pilgrims.
It could be recalled that, the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), has already constituted a high powered committee saddled with the responsibility to screen airline companies that will be engaged during the upcoming 2025 hajj operation, and come up with the most competent and efficient airline companies ready to provide top-notch services to Nigerian pilgrims. I, therefore, want to advise those that will make the very final selection of airline companies, as a concerned citizen to incorporate the issue of ticket fee reduction.
In conclusion, other service providers of all kinds should equally join in the crusade to secure relief to Nigerian pilgrims through a downward review of their service fees.
*Ibrahim Abubakar Nagarta, writes from Kaduna
