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NAHCON Increases 2024 Hajj Pilgrimage Price To N6.8 Million

Published

8 months ago

Mar 25, 2024.

NAHCON increases 2024 Hajj pilgrimage cost to N6.8 million
Price hike attributed to unfavorable Dollar-Naira exchange rate
Indenting pilgrims urged to settle balance by March 28, 2024

EKO HOT BLOG reports that the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has revised the cost of the 2024 pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia, increasing it to N6.8 million. Initially set at N4.9 million, the fare saw an additional N1.9 million added, as announced in a statement on Sunday.

NAHCON spokesperson, Farima Sanda Usara, attributed the price hike to the unfavorable exchange rate between the Dollar and the Naira. Indenting pilgrims are required to make payment by March 28, 2024, with those who previously paid the N4.9 million now needing to settle the balance by the specified deadline.

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The statement reads: “The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) appreciates the high level of understanding and concern that have been demonstrated to it publicly and privately over the 2024 Hajj fare dilemma it has plunged in. This show of support gives the Commission hope that stakeholders would leave no stone unturned for the success of the forthcoming Hajj exercise. At this juncture, the Commission finds it imperative to give clarity regarding the 2024 Hajj fare arrangements.”

“It is widely acknowledged that Hajj preparation follows a strict time line. As for the 2024 Hajj, the preparatory timeline released by Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah began earlier than usual and is expected to end before its normal timing. NAHCON endeavoured to adhere to the schedule outlined by the Ministry.

“However, no to late remittances of Hajj fare by those concerned necessitated adjustments, resulting in two date shifts with the final being 12th of February 2024. Recall that as at 31st December 2023, Naira was still at N897:00 to a Dollar at the banks. These shifts unfortunately pushed the Hajj fare collection deadline to fall after harmonization of foreign exchange rates, presenting a new and significant challenge.

“What the harmonization meant in the Hajj fare equation was that in the face of global financial challenges, coupled with the new forex policy, Nigerian pilgrims would now be saddled with an unexpected increase in Hajj cost, despite having already paid the fixed fare of about N4.9 million, depending on the departure zone as approved by government.

Hajj Pilgrimage

“Considering the urgency of the situation, NAHCON was forced to explore various options, including encouraging State Governments and affluent individuals to intervene on behalf of their pilgrims. This window still remains open. This will compliment the intervention of the Federal Government that went the extra mile to support the Nigerian Muslim pilgrims in the discharge of their religious obligation. Commendably, government’s policy focus of bringing down the exchange rate has given the Hajj fare reduction a boost.

“The good news now is that with Naira having appreciated to N1,474.00 to a Dollar over the preceding week and after due consultation with stakeholders, coupled with NAHCON’s desire to ensure equitable spread of the Federal Government’s intervention to all the already registered pilgrims whose payments have been received, the Commission resolved that each pilgrim would now have to pay a balance of N1,918,032.91 in accordance with the current foreign exchange rate.

“Intending pilgrims that still wish to participate in the 2024 Hajj are by this release advised to proceed and pay a balance of N1,918,032.91 latest by 11:59 pm of 28th March 2024. The Commission will shut down its system by 29th March, and no other payment would be accommodated after.