The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has cautioned States’ Muslim Pilgrims’ Welfare Boards, Agencies and Commissions against distortion of the jointly agreed fares for the 2023 Hajj.

The commission also said it will not hesitate to sanction erring states by revoking their operational licences.

Deputy Director, Information and Publication of NAHCON, Mousa Ubandawaki, issued the warning in a statement on Tuesday in Abuja.

“It has come to the attention of National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) that there are a lot of distortions floating around in the wake of the announcement of the 2023 final Hajj fare by the Commission.

“Some states are announcing fares different from the ones jointly agreed by the States and NAHCON and as approved by the government.

“Therefore, we hasten to hereby reiterate that the total hajj fare remains the ones announced by the commission on April 7, 2023 which is less than N3 million inclusive of local charges for all categories of pilgrims under the state pilgrims welfare agencies.”

Mr Ubandawaki appealed to all stakeholders to work with NAHCON as a team in harmony and under a conducive and peaceful atmosphere to avoid exploitation of the pilgrims.

“While we are not unmindful of the financial situation in some states, however, we hasten to reiterate that the commission will not hesitate to sanction erring states.

“By either revoking its operational license and or withdrawing the 2023 Hajj Allocation with immediate effect.

“Once again, NAHCON wishes to reiterate its commitment to the welfare of our pilgrims and ensure that they have value for money in terms of the price and facilities they will enjoy during the pilgrimage.”

He reiterated that the commission would not hesitate to sanction erring states by either revoking its operational license or withdrawing the 2023 Hajj Allocation with immediate effect.

(NAN)