The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has officially declared that the federal government will not provide subsidies for hajj payments in 2025. This decision marks a significant change in the financial support typically offered to pilgrims.
According to a report by Daily Trust, government subsidies have traditionally come in the form of concessionary rates. These rates allow pilgrims to purchase dollars at a reduced price from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).
Fatima Sanda Usara, the spokesperson for NAHCON, stated that for the upcoming 2025 Hajj, there will be no concessionary exchange rate available for pilgrims. This applies to both state and private Hajj operators.
As a result of this decision, if the naira remains at its current exchange rate of N1,650 to a dollar, each intending pilgrim will face a cost of nearly N10 million for hajj fare. This is based on the estimated fare of at least $6,000 per pilgrim.
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While NAHCON has not yet announced the official hajj fare for 2025, various State Pilgrims Welfare Boards have begun requesting that intending pilgrims pay an initial deposit of N8.5 million. This deposit is required pending the official announcement of the hajj fare.
Additionally, NAHCON has announced that every Nigerian pilgrim who participated in the 2023 hajj will receive a refund of 150 Saudi Riyals, equivalent to approximately N64,682. This refund aims to support the pilgrims after their return.
These updates were shared during an interactive meeting between NAHCON and members of the Private Tour Operators in Nigeria (PTOs). The meeting took place on October 7, 2024.
The purpose of the meeting was to inform members about the resolutions reached following the resumption of office by the Acting Chairman of the Commission, Prof. Abdullahi Sale Pakistan. He had been briefly absent due to a trip.
The virtual meeting was chaired by NAHCON’s Commissioner of Operations, Prince Anofi Olanrewaju Elegushi. He communicated new developments from both Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah (MoHU) and NAHCON’s recent decisions.
This session aimed to provide clarity and updates regarding the upcoming hajj arrangements and the implications of the recent policy changes.
The absence of government subsidies for hajj payments is expected to significantly impact the financial planning of many pilgrims in Nigeria. Stakeholders are now urged to prepare for the increased costs associated with the pilgrimage.
Overall, these developments highlight the ongoing adjustments within the Hajj framework in Nigeria and the need for prospective pilgrims to stay informed about the latest announcements from NAHCON.
In conclusion, as the 2025 Hajj approaches, intending pilgrims must be aware of the financial implications and prepare accordingly for the changes in fare structure.
