The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has finalized fares for the 2024 Hajj pilgrimage, setting the cost at N4.5 million per pilgrim.
This announcement follows an earlier deposit request in October 2023, when NAHCON initially pegged the deposit at the same amount, citing ongoing negotiations and the need for a realistic bargaining figure based on the dollar exchange rate.
However, NAHCON’s Assistant Director of Public Affairs, Fatima Usara, explained in a statement, on Saturday, that despite efforts to maintain the initial price, “adjustments” were necessary due to “the recent instability in the dollar exchange rate.” The statement did not elaborate on the specific impact of currency fluctuations on final costs.
She said, “It would be recalled that the Chairman of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Malam Jalal Ahmad Arabi had initially aimed to maintain the 2024 Hajj fare at N4.5 million that was charged as an 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 the cost of the year’s Hajj at the said rate.
It would be recalled that the Chairman of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Malam Jalal Ahmad Arabi had initially aimed to maintain the 2024 Hajj fare at N4.5 million that was charged as an 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 the cost of the year’s Hajj at the said rate.”
