The crash in the value of the Naira at the foreign exchange market has forced the rate of the Hajj 2024 to shoot up from about N4.5 million to N6 million.
The of National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), in a statement by its Assistant Director, Public Affairs, Fatima Sanda Usara, said the recent instability in the Dollar exchange rate compelled the necessary adjustment despite commendable efforts by the commission
It would be recalled that the Chairman of NAHCON, Malam Jalal Ahmad Arabi, initially aimed to maintain the 2024 Hajj fare of N4.5m that was charged as an initial deposit.
Usara said the prospects had remained high until the well-known Naira crash that occurred mid-week. She said 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 million.
“Consequently, intending pilgrims from Nigeria’s Southern center are required to pay N4.9m as Hajj fare; those from the Northern center will pay N4.7m and pilgrims from Yola and Maiduguri centre will pay a fee of N4.7m for the 2024 Hajj,” she stated.
While expressing his regret, Arabi stated that “this is the will of Allah, because the commission, facing a tight deadline of February 25, has limited time to explore further options to remain within the range of N4.5m that he assiduously worked for.
Consequently, NAHCON announces the feasible cost of Hajj to meet the impending remittance deadline.”. Intending pilgrims are therefore advised to balance their Hajj fare by Monday, February 12, accordingly to enable the commission to transfer the funds before the imminent deadline.
NAHCON, however, assured the public of its commitment to ensuring a smooth and successful Hajj pilgrimage for all participants, despite the challenges posed by foreign exchange factors.
“The commission appreciates the understanding and cooperation of the Nigerian Muslim community during this time,” he stated.