In the midst of a fluctuating forex exchange rate, the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has officially revealed the ultimate fare for the upcoming 2024 Hajj pilgrimage. The announcement, made on Saturday by Fatima Sanda Usara, the Assistant Director of Public Affairs for NAHCON, outlines varying costs for pilgrims from different regions.
According to the statement, intending pilgrims from the Southern part of the country are required to pay N4,899,000 for the 2024 Hajj, while those from the Northern region will contribute N4,699,000. Pilgrims hailing from the North-Eastern states of Adamawa and Borno have a slightly lower fare at N4,679,000. The Commission has set a deadline of Monday, February 12, 2024, for pilgrims to complete their Hajj fare transactions.
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The announcement follows the earlier assurance from NAHCON’s Chairman, Malam Jalal Ahmad Arabi, who initially stated that the 2024 Hajj fare would not exceed N4.5 million, based on the initial deposit. However, the recent depreciation of the Naira against the US dollar on the official market prompted a necessary adjustment in the fare.
Arabi disclosed that despite actively negotiating discounts with service providers in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in January, the volatile currency situation necessitated a revision to avoid a potential surge in the pilgrimage cost to around N6,000,000.
Expressing regret, NAHCON Chairman Arabi highlighted the time constraints, facing a tight deadline of February 25, limiting their ability to explore further options to remain within the N4.5 million range. He emphasized the Commission’s commitment to ensuring a smooth and successful Hajj pilgrimage despite the challenges posed by foreign exchange factors.
To mitigate the impact of currency fluctuations, NAHCON has actively worked to negotiate discounts with service providers in Saudi Arabia. The Commission acknowledges the understanding and cooperation of the Nigerian Muslim community during these challenging times.
As the February 12 deadline approaches, intending pilgrims are urged to complete their Hajj fare transactions promptly to facilitate the timely transfer of funds by the Commission.
Source: Leadership.ng
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