Gombe-based Islamic scholars have described the 2017 Hajj fares announced by the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), as outrageous.

The NAHCON had on Monday approved the 2017 Hajj fares for the respective states of the federation, with Gombe state fare pegged at N1, 516, 118.90 with $800 as the Basic Travel Allowance.

The Hajj commission has also fixed N38, 000 as price of Hadaya for each pilgrim, which is not part of the fare being announced.

Speaking during a Ramadan Tafsir at the Gombe Emir’s Palace Central Mosque, Sheikh Adamu Muhammad Dokoro, said the commission should explain the reason behind the increase when price of dollar is lower than the previous year.

“In 2016 when the dollar was higher, pilgrims from Gombe state paid a little above N1, 090, 250, but this year the Hajj commission pegged it at over N1.5 million when the dollar is relatively cheaper than last year,” he said.

Sheikh Dokoro therefore called on the federal government, state governors and members of the National Assembly to intervene in the matter, “to ease the situation for intending pilgrims.”

Also speaking shortly after leading Muslims faithful to a two-minute prayers, the Chief Imam of Federal Low-Cost quarters Juma’at Mosque, Sheikh Saleh Bn Saleh, called on the relevant stakeholders to look into the exorbitant Hajj fares announced by NAHCON.

He said all the authority concern should look at the situation and if possible review the fares for the benefit of all intending pilgrims.

Meanwhile, the Gombe state Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board has directed all intending pilgrims that deposited money with the board to come and complete the payment before June 10 to enable it conclude plans for the pilgrimage.