Tuesday, October 08, 2024 - The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has announced that the Tinubu-led Federal government will no longer provide subsidies for Hajj payments starting from 2025.
This decision marks the end of the concessionary exchange
rate offered by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).
Consequently, Hajj fares are expected to increase
significantly, potentially reaching N10 million per pilgrim.
According
to SaharaReporters, the current exchange rate of N1,650 to a dollar and the
standard Hajj fare of approximately $6,000 contribute to this projected
increase.
NAHCON spokesperson Fatima Sanda Usara confirmed that
pilgrims will no longer benefit from the concessionary exchange rate.
Several state pilgrim welfare boards have already advised
intending pilgrims to make initial deposits of N8.5 million in anticipation of
the price increase.
NAHCON also announced a refund of 150 Saudi Riyal each to
64,682 Nigerian pilgrims who participated in the 2023 Hajj.
Additionally, Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has
reduced the number of approved Private Tour Operators (PTOs) from 20 to 10,
with each company now required to register a minimum of 2,000 pilgrims to
secure Hajj visas.
Furthermore, NAHCON’s Executive Council has approved the use
of bank guarantees to fulfill the N40 million caution deposit requirement for
the 2025 Hajj.
These changes aim to ensure a more sustainable and organized
Hajj process. Pilgrims and stakeholders are advised to take note of these
updates and plan accordingly.
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