By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

The Chairman of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Prof. Abdullahi Saleh Usman, has urged the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to waive the two per cent charge imposed on pilgrims’ funds to further reduce the hajj fare.

Speaking in Abuja, Saleh said one of his major priorities since assuming office was to reduce the cost of hajj and make it more affordable for Muslims across the country.

“I am confident that lowering hajj fares will bring relief to our pilgrims, leaders, and the entire Muslim Ummah,” he said.

Saleh announced that he had engaged key service providers, including airliners, Masha’ir service providers, accommodation providers, and transportation companies, in collaboration with the Forum of State Pilgrims Welfare Agencies to make hajj operations more convenient.

The NAHCON chairman said the negotiations had yielded significant reductions in service costs.

Commenting on Masha’ir services, he said pilgrims were charged 4,770 Saudi Riyals last year, but following discussions, NAHCON secured a reduction of over 700 Saudi Riyals per pilgrim.

He added: “On accommodation in Madinah, the cost per bed space was 5,000 Riyals last year, but a reduction of 200 Riyals per pilgrim has been achieved. Last year’s transportation cost stood at 1,300 Riyals per pilgrim, but this year, we successfully negotiated a 130 Riyal reduction per pilgrim.

“We have worked on the airfare. Given Nigeria’s geographical diversity, airfare costs vary across regions. However, we have secured a $399 reduction per pilgrim.

These reductions have significantly impacted the overall hajj fare, and we are still expecting further adjustments.”

Stressing that NAHCON was not asking for government’s subsidies, Saleh urged authorities to consider selling dollars to the commission at the official government exchange rate.

The agency chairman noted that the request, if approved, would further lower hajj fares and take a lot of burden off the shoulders of pilgrims.

“We have estimated the dollar exchange rate at N1,550, N1,600, and N1,650. But given the fluctuations, we settled on a moderate rate. If we secure a reduction in forex rates, we will refund any savings to the pilgrims,” he said.

Saleh urged governors to support pilgrims’ boards in their states by providing loans for them to settle payments with NAHCON before the final payment deadline set by Saudi Arabian authority.

The NAHCON chairman explained that the commission has no control over payment deadline but could only appeal to the Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj for an extension, if necessary. He urged intending pilgrims to complete their payments promptly to avoid any last-minute issues.

Saleh also urged states’ pilgrims’ welfare agencies and other stakeholders to intensify public enlightenment campaigns to ensure that intending pilgrims understand the importance of timely payment and proper preparation to have a successful hajj pilgrimage.

The Nation

The team bus of a Nigerian football club, Abubakar Bukola Saraki (ABS) Ilorin FC was involved in an accident on Monday morning along the Ogbomoso-Ilorin Expressway in Oyo State.

The team is owned by Abubakar Bukola Saraki, a former Senate President and former Governor of Kwara State.

It was learned that the team was returning to Ilorin, Kwara State from Lagos State after a league match against Sporting Lagos.

An official of the team who confirmed the incident to SaharaReporters said no life was lost but some players and officials were critically injured.

“We thank God no life was lost. Those injured are currently receiving medical attention. We have taken them to nearby hospitals,” the team official said.

ABS is not the first football club in Nigeria that has had bad tales to tell while using highways in the country in the course of their trade.

In June 2024, it was reported how several players were injured when the team bus of Doma United was involved in an accident on along the Makurdi-Lafia Expressway in Benue.

It was gathered that the bus lost control and somersaulted several times along the expressway but no life was lost to the accident.

It was also reported In 2020 how Ifeanyi George, a player of another football club from the country, Enugu Rangers Football Club, was killed in a car accident.

The incident left two other players of the club critically injured.

Senator Manu Haruna on Monday facilitated the distribution of delivery beds and gynaecology tables such as General Hospitals, Referrals Hospitals and Primary health care Centres across the 54 ward of Taraba Central Senatorial District.

The Senator representing Taraba Central Senatorial at the National Assembly considers medicare and power generation as a core mandate for his constituents.

This initiative is apparently designed to ease maternity matters across his district.

Recall that last year, during cholera outbreak, Senator Manu immediately provided equipment to conduct tests in the district.

Also in 2024 various medical outreach were carried out by the tireless Senator.

His provision with hospital beds, gynaecology tables, refrigerators, wheelchairs, and essential medications to the five LGAs will significantly enhance medical facilities and strengthen healthcare delivery, incollaboration with (NPHDA)

The distribution effort, led by Rt. Hon. Simon Dogari, the DG Campaign Council of Senator Manu and was supported by key stakeholders, including:

Hon. Muslim Aruwa – Commissioner for Science and Technology, Taraba State

Hon. Abubakar Baffa Nanu – Chairman, Gassol LGA

Hon. Yusuf Umar – Chairman, Gashaka LGA

Hon. Alhassan Hamman – Member, Local Government Service Commission

Hon. Ubale Gambo – Personal Assistant to Senator Manu

Hon. Buhari Muhammad

Hon. Hassan Bako – Special Adviser on Youth and Sports to Governor Kefas

Alhaji Raubilu Umar

This intervention will directly benefit hospitals and health centers, ensuring that residents receive better medical care and improved healthcare support.

Senator Manu Haruna’s dedication to the well-being of his constituents and his continuous efforts to bring positive change to Taraba Central remain evident through this impactful initiative.