The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has announced that pilgrims who registered for the 2024 Hajj before the previous deadline of February 12th will need to pay an additional N1.9 million, reflecting the current exchange rate.
On February 3rd, the commission set the Hajj fare at N4.9 million for those departing from the Southern region.
NAHCON’s Chairman, Malam Jalal Arabi, stated that they have negotiated significant discounts with service providers in Saudi Arabia to lower the pilgrimage costs for the pilgrims.
Due to Nigeria’s fluctuating currency, the cost of the 2024 Hajj initially rose to N6 million. However, the commission’s efforts have reduced service costs, resulting in a new fare of N4.8 million for Southern centre pilgrims.
Pilgrims from the Northern centre, as well as those from Yola and Maiduguri, will pay N4.6 million.
Arabi acknowledged Allah’s will in the commission’s race against the February 25th deadline to find further cost-saving measures to stay within the N4.5 million target they had diligently pursued.
Despite the new forex policy leading to an unforeseen hike in Hajj expenses, the commission has stated that pilgrims must settle the balance of N1.9 million, even though they had already paid N4.9 million as per the government-approved rates for their departure zones.
Those still intending to join the 2024 Hajj must pay the balance of N1 million by 11:59 p.m. on March 28th. After March 29th, the commission’s system will close, and no further payments will be accepted.
Pilgrims should visit their state pilgrims’ boards to verify their status.
” From the North zone, fresh depositors will pay N8.2 million whereas fresh payments from the Southern zone will attract N8.4 million as Hajj fare. All categories are to pay within the same deadline.
” While the commission regrets the short notice, it has become inevitable due to Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah’s stern warning to Nigeria regarding the delay in adhering to the Hajj arrangement framework.
” Before now, NAHCON had pleaded for an extension which had been reluctantly granted and now the Ministry’s patience is wearing thin.”
NAHCON explained that for those who wish to withdraw their registration for the 2024 Hajj, they are advised to formally request for refund from their states which will be treated with all seriousness.
” The next four days are crucial for stakeholders, especially those willing to intervene in support of their pilgrims, to take necessary actions and ensure smooth Hajj arrangements.
” NAHCON remains committed to facilitating the pilgrimage experience for Nigerian Muslims and seeks cooperation from all parties involved.
” The Federal Government saw wisdom in deliberately intervening on behalf of the Nigerian intending pilgrims through various strategies including persuading cost reductions.
” Unfortunately, the interventions could not cover the entire number that had met the final registration deadline. This had remained the commission’s dilemma.
” To make matters worse, now about 50,000 pilgrims under the Public Quota have paid the hitherto announced fare of about N4.9million and their payments are currently under the custody of the Commission.”
“From the Northern zone, new depositors will be charged N8.2 million, while new payments from the Southern zone will incur a Hajj fare of N8.4 million. All payments must be made by the same deadline.
“The commission expresses regret for the short notice, which has become necessary due to the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah’s strict warning to Nigeria about delays in complying with the Hajj arrangement framework.
“Previously, NAHCON had requested an extension, which was granted reluctantly, and now the Ministry’s patience is running low.”
NAHCON has stated that those who wish to cancel their registration for the 2024 Hajj should formally request a refund from their state, which will be processed promptly.
“The upcoming four days are critical for stakeholders, particularly those who are prepared to assist their pilgrims, to take the necessary steps to ensure smooth Hajj preparations.
“NAHCON is dedicated to enhancing the pilgrimage experience for Nigerian Muslims and is seeking the cooperation of all involved parties.
“The Federal Government has wisely intervened on behalf of Nigerian pilgrims intending to perform Hajj, employing various strategies, including negotiating cost reductions.
“Regrettably, these interventions were unable to extend to everyone who met the final registration deadline, presenting a challenge for the commission.
“Compounding the issue, approximately 50,000 pilgrims under the Public Quota have already paid the previously announced fare of around N4.9 million, and these funds are now in the commission’s possession.”
