NAHCON Resolves 2024 Hajj Fare Dilemma Amid Exchange Rate Fluctuations
Fatima Hassan
The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has reached a resolution regarding the 2024 Hajj fare predicament, amid financial uncertainties and fluctuating exchange rates.
In an official statement signed by the Assistant Director of Public Affairs at NAHCON, Hajiya Fatima Sanda Usara, the Commission expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support received, both publicly and privately, amidst the challenges faced in organizing the forthcoming Hajj exercise.
Highlighting the critical nature of timely preparations for the Hajj pilgrimage, Hajiya Usara emphasized the need for clarity regarding the fare arrangements for 2024.
She elucidated that despite NAHCON’s efforts to adhere to the timeline set by the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, delays in remittances of Hajj fares necessitated adjustments, leading to two date shifts with the final deadline set for February 12, 2024.
The unforeseen delay in fare collections, compounded by the harmonization of foreign exchange rates and global financial challenges, resulted in an unexpected increase in the Hajj cost for Nigerian pilgrims, despite their prior payments based on the fixed fare approved by the government.
Efforts by the Federal Government to intervene and reduce costs for intending pilgrims, however, fell short of covering all individuals who had met the registration deadline. Consequently, NAHCON found itself grappling with 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.
Balance payment
Amidst 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, following the current exchange rate. Intending pilgrims were advised to settle this balance by the deadline of 11:59 pm on March 28, 2024, as 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, underscoring NAHCON’s commitment to ensuring the smooth conduct of this sacred journey amidst challenging circumstances.
She advised affected pilgrims to visit their respective state pilgrims’ boards to confirm their status.
Below is a table detailing the number of pilgrims who have paid the Hajj fare according to states, representing those expected to benefit from the intervention:
S/N STATES ACTUAL NO.OF SEATS PAID FOR
1 ABIA
2 ADAMAWA 1,767
3 A/IBOM –
4 ANAMBRA
5 BAUCHI 2,290
6 BAYELSA 13
7 BENUE 87
8 BORNO 1,780
9 C/RIVER 0
10 DELTA 40
11 EBONYI 13
12 EDO 265
13 EKITI 186
14 ENUGU 18
15 FCT,ABUJA 2,489
16 GOMBE 1,262
17 IMO 98
18 JIGAWA 1,260
19 KADUNA 4,656
20 KANO 2,906
21 KATSINA 2,654
22 KEBBI 3,344
23 KOGI 13
24 KWARA 3,100
25 LAGOS 1,857
26 NASARAWA 1,866
27 NIGER 3,200
28 OGUN 925
29 ONDO 491
30 OSUN 1,548
31 OYO 1,047
32 PLATEAU 1,345
33 RIVERS 42
34 SOKOTO 3,563
35 TARABA 1,000
36 YOBE 1,290
37 ZAMFARA 1,596
38 ARMED FORCES 403
TOTAL 48,414
However, as of March 24th, new registrations for the 2024 Hajj will incur the full fare of N8,225,464.74 for pilgrims from the Adamawa/Borno axis.
Similarly, fresh depositors from the North zone will pay N8,254,464.74, while those from the Southern zone will attract a fare of N8,454,464.74. All categories are required to adhere to the same payment deadline.
The Commission acknowledged the inconvenience caused by the short notice but deems 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 who wish to withdraw their registration for the 2024 Hajj are advised to formally request a refund from their respective states, assuring that such requests will be handled with utmost seriousness.
With only four days remaining, stakeholders, particularly those intending to support their pilgrims, are urged to take prompt action to ensure smooth Hajj arrangements.
NAHCON reaffirms its commitment to facilitating the pilgrimage experience for Nigerian Muslims and solicits cooperation from all parties involved in this endeavour.
