Amid an unstable forex exchange rate, the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has unveiled the final fare for the 2024 Hajj exercise.
The Commission, in a statement issued on Saturday morning by its assistant director of public affairs, Fatima Sanda Usara, said intending pilgrims from the Southern part of the country will pay N4,899,000 as Hajj fare. While Northern intending pilgrims will pay N4,699,000 for the 2024 Hajj, and those from North-Eastern states of Adamawa and Borno will pay N4,679,000 as Hajj fare.
The intending pilgrims are advised to complete their Hajj fare on or before Monday, February 12, 2024, to enable the Commission transfer the funds before the imminent deadline.
Recall that the chairman of NAHCON, Malam Jalal Ahmad Arabi, had maintained that the 2024 Hajj fare will not exceed N4.5 million that was charged as initial deposit and the prospects had remained high until Naira dropped to a record low against the US dollar on the official market on Tuesday with FMDQ Exchange data slipping below rates on the unofficial parallel market in intra-day trades.
NAHCON’s chairman said the instability in the Dollar exchange rate compelled a necessary adjustment despite efforts the said rate.
According to the statement, Arabi actively negotiated substantial discounts with service providers in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in January, striving to alleviate costs for intending pilgrims. But 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 N6,000,000 (six million Naira).
While expressing his regret, NAHCON boss Arabi added that the Commission, facing a tight deadline of February 25, has limited time to explore further options to remain within the range of N4.5million which he assiduously worked for.
NAHCON 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 these times.
