The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has fixed the final fare for the 2024 pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia amidst unstable foreign exchange rate to Nigeria currency.
According to NAHCON, intending pilgrims from Nigeria’s Southern center are required to pay N4,899,000 while their counterparts from the Northern center are to N4,699,000.
Similarly, pilgrims from Yola and Maiduguri centers whose nautical miles closure to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia are to pay N4,679,000 for the 2024 Hajj.
Prospective pilgrims who had made an initial deposit of N4.5 million as directed by NAHCON are expected to make an addition of between N200 and N400 balance.
A statement by Fatima Sanda Usara,
Assistant Director, Public Affairs,
NAHCON, Saturday morning, attributed the upward adjustment in the final hajj fare to instability in the dollar rate.
Usara said the latest temple became unavoidable despite frantic efforts of the commission to ensure the fare did not shoot beyond the initial N4.5 million deposit.
“It would be recalled that the Chairman of National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Malam Jalal Ahmad Arabi had initially aimed to maintain the 2024 Hajj fare at N4.5 million that was charged as an initial deposit.
“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 the cost of the year’s Hajj at the said rate”.
According to Usara, Mal. Arabi had actively negotiated substantial discounts with service providers in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in late January, striving to alleviate 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 the 2024 Muslim pilgrimage might have shot to about N6,000,000 (six million Naira)”. She added.
While expressing his regret, Chairman Arabi stated that this is the will of Allah, because the Commission, facing a tight deadline of 25th February, has limited time to explore further options to remain within the range of N4.5 million which he assiduously worked for. Consequently, NAHCON announces the feasible cost of Hajj to meet the impending remittance deadline.
“Intending pilgrims are therefore advised to balance their Hajj fare by Monday 12th of February accordingly to enable the Commission to transfer the funds before the imminent deadline”.
NAHCON assures the public of its commitment to ensuring a smooth and successful Hajj pilgrimage for all participants despite the challenges posed by foreign exchange factors. The Commission appreciates the understanding and cooperation of the Nigerian Muslim community during these times.