Gambiaj.com – (BANJUL, The Gambia) – In a firm address to National Assembly Members, The Gambia’s Minister of Lands and Religious Affairs, Hamat Bah, announced that the government has no plans to increase the cost of next year’s hajj pilgrimage, despite past concerns about its high cost in The Gambia compared to other West African countries.

Speaking during discussions with the National Hajj Commission, Bah emphasized that there is “absolutely no justification” for raising the price of the pilgrimage. “We have no intention of increasing the hajj package next year,” he asserted, addressing concerns from the public over what many describe as exorbitant fees, which last year ranged from D498,000 to as much as D531,000, pricing out all but the wealthiest individuals from undertaking the religious journey.

Currently, hajj package costs are set by private operators, who have attributed rising prices to fluctuating exchange rates. However, Minister Bah countered this argument, noting that The Gambian dalasi has not depreciated significantly since last year. “Last year, the dollar was about D68-69 and this year it is just about D71-D72,” he said, adding that “one cannot justify any increases.” He further pointed out that the cost of accommodations in Mina, Saudi Arabia, has actually decreased. “We cannot be held hostage by operators who believe that they can do whatever they want,” Bah warned.

The minister also outlined new measures aimed at enhancing the experience of Gambian pilgrims in Saudi Arabia, revealing plans to consolidate accommodations so all Gambian pilgrims stay in one area. “The Gambia is the only country whose pilgrims are scattered everywhere. If Nigeria, with 100,000 to 200,000 pilgrims, can be sheltered in one place, why should just 2,000 Gambians be spread across 30 different hotels? That will stop,” he declared.

Addressing operational concerns, Minister Bah alleged that some travel agencies are defying Hajj Commission guidelines by signing contracts with hotels in Saudi Arabia for the 2025 hajj without first obtaining licenses. He underscored the government’s resolve to regulate these agencies, emphasizing that “all agencies must operate under the guidelines and conditions of the Hajj Commission or risk not being licensed.”

Bah’s statements come as a reassurance to prospective pilgrims and aim to hold agencies accountable for transparent pricing and adherence to regulations, fostering a more equitable hajj experience for all Gambians.

Source: Standard