The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has announced the final fare for the 2024 Hajj.
NAHCON’s Assistant Director or Public Affairs, Fatima Sanda Usara, said in a press release today that intending pilgrims from the southern part of the country are required to pay N4,899,000, those from the northern centre will pay N4,699,000, while those from the Yola and Maiduguri centre will pay N4,679,000 for the 2024 Hajj.
In the statement, titled, “NAHCON Fixes 2024 Hajj Fare Amidst Unstable Dollar,” Usara said: “IIt 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 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 cost of the year’s Hajj at the said rate.”
According to her, 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 2024 Muslim pilgrimage might have shot to about N6,000,000.
“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.”
She advised intending pilgrims to pay the balance of their fare by Monday, February 12 to enable the commission 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,” she said, adding, “The commission appreciates the understanding and cooperation of the Nigerian Muslim community during these times.”