The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) Saturday morning announced fares for this year’s Hajj in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia amidst unstable exchange rates.
The Hajj body, in a statement signed by its Assistant Director, Public Affairs, Fatima Sanda Usara, made available to Tribune Online, informed that intending pilgrims from Southern states would pay the sum of N4,899,000.
According to Usara, while those from the North were required to pay the sum of N4,699,000, intending pilgrims from Yola and Maiduguri would pay a fee of N4,679,000.
She further advised intending pilgrims to balance their Hajj fare by Monday, February 12 accordingly to enable the Commission transfer the funds before the February 25 deadline.
While expressing his regret over the fares for this year’s Hajj, NACON Chairman, Malam Jalal Ahmad Arabi stated that this was the will of Allah, as the Commission had limited time to explore further options for the fares to remain within the range of N4.5million.
Usara recalled that Arabi had initially aimed to maintain the 2024 Hajj fare at N4.5 million that was charged as an initial deposit.
According to her, “The prospects had remained high until the well-known Naira crash that occurred mid-week.
“Regrettably, the recent instability in the Dollar exchange rate compelled a necessary adjustment despite commendable efforts by NAHCON Chairman, Jalal Ahmad Arabi to maintain cost of the year’s Hajj at the said rate.”
She added that the NAHCON boss had negotiated substantial discounts with service providers in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in late January with a view to alleviating costs for intending pilgrims.
“However, the volatile currency situation within the week necessitated the Commission to take a drastic decision to consolidate the gains achieved in lowering the cost of services for the Hajj, without which the price of 2024 Muslim pilgrimage might have shot to about N6,000,000 (six million Naira),” she stated.
The announcement came three days after the January 31 deadline given by the commission for intending pilgrims to make initial deposit of N4.5 million for this year’s Hajj.
The deposit was to enable the Hajj body to know the number of people from Nigeria who will participate in this year’s spiritual exercise, given the new Saudi Arabia policies on Hajj, effective from this year.
Unlike previous arrangements whereby visas were issued a few days before Arafat, the new policies entail that issuance of visas will close by April 29, giving the Saudi authorities more than 40 days ahead of Arafat Day.
Issuance of visas for various participating countries commences on March 1.
Meanwhile, NAHCON has assured the public of its commitment to ensuring a smooth and successful Hajj pilgrimage for all participants despite the challenges posed by foreign exchange factors.
Usara stated; “The Commission appreciates the understanding and cooperation of the Nigerian Muslim community during these times.”
