The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has hiked the fare for the 2024 pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia from N4.9 million to N6.8m, Theliberationnews reports.
This shows a N1,918,032.91 increment to the initial fare hitherto set by the commission.
In a statement issued on Sunday evening by Farima Usara, NAHCON spokesperson, said intending pilgrims have up to March 28 to make payment for the exercise.
According to Usara the increment was due to the forex crisis that has held the nation’s economy by the jugular for months.
With the N1.9 million increment, intending pilgrims who had deposited N4.9 million will now pay N6.8 million in total.
“However, due to late remittances of Hajj fare by those concerned necessitated adjustments, resulting in two date shifts with the final being 12th of February 2024. Recall that as at 31st December 2023, Naira was still at N897:00 to a Dollar at the banks,” the statement reads.
“These shifts unfortunately pushed the Hajj fare collection deadline to fall after harmonization of foreign exchange rates, presenting a new and significant challenge.
“What the harmonization meant in the Hajj fare equation was that in the face of global financial challenges, coupled with the new forex policy, Nigerian pilgrims would now be saddled with an unexpected increase in Hajj cost, despite having already paid the fixed fare of about N4.9 million, depending on the departure zone as approved by government..
“Considering the urgency of the situation, NAHCON was forced to explore various options, including encouraging State Governments and affluent individuals to intervene on behalf of their pilgrims. This window still remains open. This will compliment the intervention of the Federal Government that went the extra mile to support the Nigerian Muslim pilgrims in the discharge of their religious obligation. Commendably, government’s policy focus of bringing down the exchange rate has given the Hajj fare reduction a boost.
“The good news now is that with Naira having appreciated to N1,474.00 to a Dollar over the preceding week and after due consultation with stakeholders, coupled with NAHCON’s desire to ensure equitable spread of the Federal Government’s intervention to all the already registered pilgrims whose payments have been received, the Commission resolved that each pilgrim would now have to pay a balance of N1,918,032.91 in accordance with the current foreign exchange rate.
“Intending pilgrims that still wish to participate in the 2024 Hajj are by this release advised to proceed and pay a balance of N1,918,032.91 latest by 11:59 pm of 28th March 2024. The Commission will shut down its system by 29th March and no other payment would be accommodated after.”
In light of the development, Lagos State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board has urged intending pilgrims to ensure compliance with the new fare and deadline.
The board urged applicants who he paid the initial N4.9 million to add N1.9 million to it while fresh applicants were encouraged to pay N8.4 million outrightly on or before Wednesday, March 27.
In a statement issued by its secretary, Saheed Onipede the board expressed regrets over the development adding that any intending pilgrims who wish to withdraw their intention or defer it till next year may write formally to the board.
“The Lagos State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board hereby notify its intending pilgrims of the latest increment in the 2024 Hajj fare by the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON).
According to NAHCON, intending pilgrims who had already paid ₦4, 899,000.00 are to add ₦1,918,032.91k while fresh applicants are to pay ₦8,454,464.74k outrightly on or before close of work on Wednesday 27th March, 2024 which is the deadline.
Intending pilgrims who wish to pay the increment/fresh applicants are advised to raise their Bank draft from either Guaranteed Trust Bank (GTB) or Zenith Bank for ease of transaction.
While the Board regrets the latest development, any intending pilgrims who wish to withdraw his/her intention may write formally for refund of their money or defer their intention till year 2025. May Allah ease our affairs. Ameen,” the statement read.
