The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has successfully addressed the predicament surrounding the 2024 Hajj fares, amidst uncertainties in financial markets and fluctuating exchange rates.
In an official statement signed by Hajiya Fatima Sanda Usara, the Assistant Director of Public Affairs at NAHCON, the Commission expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support received during the challenges encountered in organising the upcoming Hajj pilgrimage.
Emphasising the critical importance of timely preparations for the Hajj, Hajiya Usara highlighted the necessity for clarity regarding the fare arrangements for 2024.
Despite NAHCON’s efforts to adhere to the timeline set by the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, delays in the remittances of Hajj fares necessitated adjustments, resulting in two date shifts with the final deadline set for February 12, 2024.
Unexpected delays in fare collections, coupled with fluctuations in foreign exchange rates and global financial challenges, led to an unforeseen increase in the Hajj cost for Nigerian pilgrims, despite their prior payments based on the government-approved fixed fare.
Efforts by the Federal Government to intervene and reduce costs for intending pilgrims were insufficient to cover all individuals who had met the registration deadline. Consequently, NAHCON faced the dilemma of accommodating approximately 50,000 pilgrims who had already paid the previously announced fare.
In response to the urgency of the situation, NAHCON explored various options, including seeking intervention from state governments and affluent individuals on behalf of their respective pilgrims. This effort complemented the Federal Government’s initiatives aimed at supporting Nigerian Muslim pilgrims in fulfilling their religious obligations.
Following consultations with stakeholders and considering the recent appreciation of the Naira against the Dollar, NAHCON resolved that each pilgrim would be required to pay a balance of N1,918,032.91, based on the current exchange rate.
Intending pilgrims were advised to settle this balance by the deadline of 11:59 pm on March 28, 2024. NAHCON would shut down its payment system by March 29, 2024, with no further accommodations for late payments.
The resolution of the fare dilemma brings a sense of relief to Nigerian pilgrims as they prepare for the 2024 Hajj pilgrimage. Affected pilgrims were advised to visit their respective state pilgrims’ boards to confirm their status.
However, as of March 24th, new registrations for the 2024 Hajj will incur the full fare, with pilgrims from the Adamawa/Borno axis paying N8,225,464.74, while those from the North and South zones will pay N8,254,464.74 and N8,454,464.74, respectively.
The Commission acknowledged the inconvenience caused by the short notice but deemed it necessary due to the stern warning issued by the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah regarding Nigeria’s delay in adhering to the Hajj arrangement framework. Despite NAHCON’s previous pleas for an extension, the Ministry’s patience is now waning.
Pilgrims wishing to withdraw their registration for the 2024 Hajj were advised to formally request a refund from their respective states, assuring that such requests would be handled with the utmost seriousness.
With only four days remaining, stakeholders, particularly those intending to support their pilgrims, were urged to take prompt action to ensure smooth Hajj arrangements.