Pilgrims arrive in Saudi Arabia without extra charges despite global fuel price increase

By Sadiq Abdulfatah

Stakeholders in the ongoing Hajj operation have commended the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) for ensuring the smooth airlift of pilgrims to Saudi Arabia despite the global rise in aviation fuel prices linked to tensions between the United States and Iran.

The stakeholders said fears that the increase in oil prices could disrupt Hajj operations did not materialise, as flights from different states have continued without additional costs for pilgrims.

So far, nearly 31,000 out of the 50,000 Nigerian pilgrims expected for the 2026 Hajj have arrived in Saudi Arabia.

The Executive Secretary of the Lagos State Muslim Pilgrim Welfare Board, AbdulAkeem Ajomagberin, praised the Federal Government and NAHCON for what he described as proactive efforts to sustain the operation.

He disclosed that the Federal Government provided a 30 percent rebate on aviation fuel to reduce the impact of rising fuel costs on the Hajj airlift.

Ajomagberin added that pilgrims were not asked to pay extra money despite the global increase in fuel prices.

Officials from Adamawa State and members of NAHCON’s assessment committee also described the operation as smooth and well-coordinated, praising flight schedules, accommodation, feeding and transportation arrangements in Madinah.

Several pilgrims equally expressed satisfaction with the organisation of the exercise, saying the process had been stress-free and properly managed.

Source: The Nation