In view of the abysmal economic situation in the country, there is very strong indication that the cost of Hajj fare for this year might exceed N2.5 million, The Liberation News can authoritatively confirm.
This marks a significant increase of 50 per cent from the previous hajj fare of 2019.
The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), gave the hints recently during its meeting with States Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Boards in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.
In 2019 Hajj, an average Nigerian pilgrim paid N1.5 million inclusive of BTA of $800 dollars. Most intending pilgrims for 2019 Hajj had already deposited N1.5 Million while only few has a deposit of less than N1.4 million.
Mallam Abdullahi Hardawa, NAHCON commissioner-in-charge of operations, while speaking with BBC Hausa recently said the projected increase was due to the economic realities and other factors that are beyond NAHCON’s control.
For example, the exchange rate for Hajj was N306 but now it will be N410 to a dollar. Also, 97 per cent of Hajj fare computation is based on foreign exchange. The payments for accommodation, feeding, airlines, and other services in Saudi Arabia are transacted in dollar.
More importantly, Saudi Arabia increased their VAT from 5 per cent to 15 per cent with its ripple effects on services during such offshore operations.
