Imperative of early preparations for Hajj 2018
One of the hurdles often encountered prior to the annual Hajj preparation is late payment of Hajj fares by intending pilgrims. Without determining the number of intending pilgrims they are planning for, Nigeria’s Hajj organizing institutions are deterred from moving forward at a time when most countries had already retired their books. Consequently, it is […]
One of the hurdles often encountered prior to the annual Hajj preparation is late payment of Hajj fares by intending pilgrims. Without determining the number of intending pilgrims they are planning for, Nigeria’s Hajj organizing institutions are deterred from moving forward at a time when most countries had already retired their books. Consequently, it is still the Hajj planning organizations that take the brunt of the blame for any constraints stumbled upon as a result of late planning. Thus, National Hajj Commission (NAHCON) has in recent years consistently announced Hajj fares in relatively good time to avoid glitches that come with such circumstance. However, this year the payment schedule has been fine-tuned with a deadline closer than ever.
Accordingly, the chairman of the commission, Barrister Abdullahi Mukhtar Muhammad, has made it succinctly clear to the general public and all Hajj operators that intending pilgrims must make Hajj deposits by ending of March 2018. This fee is an advance payment pending the time the total cost would be determined; nonetheless the said payment is an indication of their willingness to participate and with which they secure a slot. Any deposit made later is void. This action according to NAHCON chairman has become necessary because Saudi Arabia has set May 2018 as deadline for payment of Hajj fares from countries to allow it begin early preparations. Besides, knowing the number of eligible persons performing the annual ritual will, on the part of the commission, afford it adequate time to prepare as well. Towards this plan, the commission has been using all avenues to reiterate its unflinching stand against the March deadline.
Indeed, only recently, the chairman reminded a group of newly elected members of Association of Hajj and Umrah Operators of Nigeria (AHOUN) that the March deadline remains sacrosanct to the commission. Prior to this, NAHCON had met with State Welfare boards and directed them to commence collection of this deposit even if by instalments of 300,000 Naira monthly spread across four months totaling 1.2million Naira.
To this effect, a couple of States have already complied. Although media reports indicate that not all states chose the instalment option, Katsina and Sokoto states had started on that pedestal. However, Kaduna State had pegged the deposit to a bulk 800,000 Naira for first timers and an extra 2,000 riyals for returnees of less than three years; as directed by host country. While Lagos follows suit with 1.3m, for Kwara State the figure is 1.2m down payment. Ogun State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board opened its registration on November 13th to last until December 15th with a demand of 10,000 Naira registration forms fee then one million naira as deposit with an option of paying by instalments.
There is no denying the gains that accrue from early planning among which is the chance for Hajj regulators securing the best deals for their pilgrims before rush hour where late comers are left with only a few compromising options whether in terms of accommodation, transportation and other necessities. In addition to this, early planning reduces stress on organisers who may be forced to make needless mistakes due to time constraints.
Early planning also helps government in saving costs otherwise incurred due to fines on late remittance of fees to the Saudi government not to mention the embarrassment such a move often costs. It saves the pilgrims themselves anxiety over uncertain situations which comes with fear of the unknown while at the same time according them the chance to familiarize with obligations and rules they are expected to observe while in the holy land. To this end, NAHCON is not taking chances.
Fatima hSanda Usara, Media Department of National Hajj Commission, Abuja.