The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria has secured a significant cut on negotiable services in Makkah, Madinah and Masha’ir in the interest of Nigerian intending pilgrims.
This feat was achieved amid frantic efforts by intending pilgrims to balance their N4.5 million Hajj deposits.
The disclosure was contained in a press release signed by Fatima Sanda Usara, NAHCON Assistant Director, Public Affairs, on Thursday.
Usara established that the effort was informed by the Commission’s Chairman, Mallam Jalal Ahmad Arabi’s prudence culture to cut costs for the intending pilgrims, disclosing that the deals were brokered during the just concluded pre-Hajj visit, to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
The visit lasted between January 7 and late January, 2024, with State Pilgrims’ Boards Executive Secretaries/Chairmen, as well as members of Private Tour Operators.
Usara said: “Reductions were attained in the cost of airfare, accommodation and masha’ir packages.
“For instance, the cost of accommodation in Madinah dropped from SR 2,080 (Saudi Riyals) in 2023 to SR 1,665 this year. Similarly, the cost of accommodation in Makkah was realised at SR 3000 against SR 3,500 of the previous year. Pilgrims of 2024 Hajj will pay SR 4,770 for the Masha’ir package (VAT inclusive) against SR 5,393 paid by last year’s pilgrims. For airfare, the Commission was able to beat down the cost with a $138 discount from what was paid last year.
“To crown the well coordinated visit, the Commission was recognized with an award by the 2024 Hajj and Umrah Conference and Exhibition Organizing Committee.
After meeting with State Pilgrims’ Welfare Boards’ Executive Secretaries and Chairmen on Thursday, Arabi commended the stakeholders for the cooperation his leadership enjoyed during the visit.
He updated the gathering on the outcome of meetings with Mu’assasa and the plans on ground for the incoming Hajj, promising transparency and inclusiveness on every matter concerning the forthcoming Hajj.
Usara revealed: “It is noteworthy that within the period of the inspection, a total of 61 high rise hotel buildings were inspected in Makkah and 31 in Madinah making a total of 92. Staff on the assignment verified years of each building’s existence with preference for those with 1-10 years after construction.
“The buildings’ maintenance status and building location in relation to the grand Mosque, Haram were measured, where the standard was set from two kilometres down.
“Other inspection indices were accessibility by bus, ease of movement on sacred days through Tradudiyya routes and available fire precautionary measures plus firefighting equipment installed in the building. NAHCON also inspected and determined other essential facilities in the buildings. These facilities include number of bed spaces in each building, type of rooms and comfortability of beds, number of emergency exits, available staircases, number of elevators in the building, with their cumulative loads estimated at 30 per round. The number of elevators was crucial considering wait time during rush periods.
“The approved number of toilets per room was set at a ratio of five persons per toilet. The Commission ensured that selected buildings have amenities for physically challenged persons, refrigerators, double-door wardrobes, availability of first aid boxes, water dispensers, functional air conditioners; intercom and internet/wifi are added advantages for higher scores”.
Usara added that for catering services, 12 kitchens were inspected in Makkah, while in Madinah, 14 facilities were inspected.
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“For the kitchens, the Commission looked at minimum cooking capacity from 2000 pilgrims and above, years of experience cooking for pilgrims, types of cooking pots and stoves whether industrial or traditional.
“NAHCON requested for evidence of partnership with Nigerian caterers as an added advantage, number of chefs, number of delivery vans from a minimum of three, while working area in the kitchen spaces were also assessed” Usara stated.