The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), has fixed the sum of N4.8 million for the 2024 Hajj fare for intending Muslim pilgrims from Nigeria.
The fare varies according to geo-political zone, with intending pilgrims from the Southern center required to pay N4,899,000 as Hajj fare; those from the Northern center will pay N4,699,000, for the Hajj and pilgrims from Yola and Maiduguri centers will pay a fee of N4,679,000 for the 2024 Hajj.
A statement signed by the NAHCON Assistant Director of Public Affairs, Fatima Usara and made available to journalists, recalled that the Commission’s Chairman, Mallam Jalal Ahmad Arabi had initially aimed to maintain the 2024 Hajj fare at N4.5 million that was charged as an initial deposit.
She said that NAHCON announced 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.
“Chairman 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.”
The Assistant Director however said unstable Dollar 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).
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.”
He assures the public of his commitment to ensure a smooth and successful Hajj pilgrimage for all participants despite the challenges posed by foreign exchange factors.
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