Exchange Rate: Southern Pilgrims to pay N4.8m; Northern Centre, N4.6m – NAHCON
The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has responded to the recent exchange rate crisis and adjusted the fare for the 2024 Hajj exercise.
In the statement signed by Assistant Director in charge of Public Affairs, Fatima Sanda Usara, the pilgrims from Southern Centre will now pay N4,899,000 while those from Northern Centre will pay N4,699,000 and the pilgrims from the Yola/Maiduguri zone will pay N4,679,000.
The Commission in a statement on Saturday said based on the present value of the Dollar compared to the Naira, Nigerian pilgrims would have had to pay 6 million naira each for this year’s Hajj if not for the efforts made by the Chairman, Jalal Arabi.
NAHCON also emphasised the need for all pilgrims to pay up on or before Monday 12th of February to enable the Commission meet up the 25th of February deadline given by the Saudi Arabia authorities.
The statement read in full:
“It would be recalled that the Chairman of, Malam Jalal Ahmad Arabi had initially aimed to maintain the 2024 Hajj fare at N4.5 million that was charged as initial deposit. The prospects had remained high until the well-known Naira crash that occurred mid-week. Regrettably, the recent instability in the Dollar exchange rate compelled a necessary adjustment despite commendable efforts by NAHCON Chairman, Jalal Ahmad Arabi to maintain cost of the year’s Hajj at the said rate.
Chairman 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 N6,000,000 (six million Naira).
Consequently, intending pilgrims from Nigeria’s Southern center are required to pay N4,899,000 as Hajj fare; those from the Northern center will pay N4,699,000, for the Hajj and pilgrims from Yola and Maiduguri center will pay a fee of N4,679,000 for the 2024 Hajj.
While expressing his regret, Chairman Arabi stated that this is the will of Allah, because the Commission, facing a tight deadline of 25th February, has limited time to explore further options to remain within the range of N4.5million which 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 12th of February accordingly to enable the Commission transfer the funds before the imminent deadline.
NAHCON assures 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.”
