Foreign Exchange: NAHCON raises cost of Hajj, new applicants to pay N8.45m

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria, NAHCON has adjusted the cost of Hajj to reflect the current realities of foreign exchange rate, even as the Federal Government’s intervention gave a slight boost to intending pilgrims who had completed the initial deposit of N4.9million.

Consequently, the commission has requested intending pilgrims to make additional payment of N1,918,032.91 on or before March 28, 2024.

It also stated that new applicants would have to pay the full sum of N8,454,464.74 on or before March 28, 2024.

In a statement signed by the Assistant Director, Public Affairs, Hajia  Fatima Sanda Usara, NAHCON said it would shut down its system by March 29, adding that  no other payment would be accommodated thereafter.

The statement read: “The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria, NAHCON, appreciates the high level of understanding and concern that have been demonstrated to it publicly and privately over the 2024 Hajj fare dilemma it has plunged in.

”This show of support gives the commission hope that stakeholders would leave no stone unturned for the success of the forthcoming Hajj exercise. At this juncture, the commission finds it imperative to give clarity regarding the 2024 Hajj fare arrangements.

“It is widely acknowledged that Hajj preparation follows a strict time line. As for the 2024 Hajj, the preparatory time line released by Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah began earlier than usual and is expected to end before its normal timing. NAHCON endeavored to adhere to the schedule outlined by the Ministry.

“However, 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 December 31, 2023, naira was still at N897:00 to the dollar at the banks. 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.

“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.

“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 complement 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 the dollar over the preceding week and after due consultation with stakeholders, coupled with NAHCON’s desire to ensure equitable spread of 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 11:59 pm of March 28, 2024.  The commission will shut down its system by March 29 and no other payment would be accommodated after.”