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Nairaland Forum / Nairaland / General / Religion / Islam for Muslims / NAHCON Increase 2024 Hajj Fare (201 Views)
Nigeria Extends 2024 Hajj Registration Deadline To Jan. 31 / Hajj Patronage Drops Despite Lower Fare / Unidentified Woman Who Died During Hajj Trip To Mecca (Photo) (2) (3) (4)
NAHCON Increase 2024 Hajj Fare by Bimpe29: 5:19am On Mar 25 |
The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) appreciates the high level of understanding and concern that have been demonstrated to it publicly and privately over the 2024 Hajj fare dilemma it has plunged in. This show of support gives the Commission hope that stakeholders would leave no stone unturned for the success of the forthcoming Hajj exercise. At this juncture, the Commission finds it imperative to give clarity regarding the 2024 Hajj fare arrangements. It is widely acknowledged that Hajj preparation follows a strict time line. As for the 2024 Hajj, the preparatory time line released by Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah began earlier than usual and is expected to end before its normal timing. NAHCON endeavored to adhere to the schedule outlined by the Ministry. However, non to late remittances of Hajj fare by those concerned necessitated adjustments, resulting in two date shifts with the final being 12th of February 2024. Recall that as at 31st December 2023, Naira was still at N897:00 to a Dollar at the banks.These shifts unfortunately pushed the Hajj fare collection deadline to fall after harmonization of foreign exchange rates, presenting a new and significant challenge. What the harmonization meant in the Hajj fare equation was that in the face of global financial challenges, coupled with the new forex policy, Nigerian pilgrims would now be saddled with an unexpected increase in Hajj cost, despite having already paid the fixed fare of about N4.9 million, depending on the departure zone as approved by government. Federal Government saw wisdom in deliberately intervening on behalf of the Nigerian intending pilgrims through various strategies including persuading cost reductions. Unfortunately, the interventions could not cover the entire number that had met the final registration deadline. This had remained the Commission's dilemma. To make matters worse, now about 50,000 pilgrims under the Public Quota have paid the hitherto announced fare of about N4.9million and their payments are currently under the custody of the Commission. Considering the urgency of the situation, NAHCON was forced to explore various options, including encouraging State Governments and affluent individuals to intervene on behalf of their pilgrims. This window still remains open. This will compliment the intervention of the Federal Government that went the extra mile to support the Nigerian Muslim pilgrims in the discharge of their religious obligation. Commendably, government's policy focus of bringing down the exchange rate has given the Hajj fare reduction a boost. The good news now is that with Naira having appreciated to N1,474.00 to a Dollar over the preceeding week and after due consultation with stakeholders, coupled with NAHCON's desire to ensure equatible spread of the Federal Government's intervention to all the already registered pilgrims whose payments have been received, the Commission resolved that each pilgrim would now have to pay a balance of N1,918,032.91 in accordance with the current foreign exchange rate. Intending pilgrims that still wish to participate in the 2024 Hajj are by this release advised to proceed and pay a balance of N1,918,032.91 latest by 11:59 pm of 28th March 2024.The Commission will shut down its system by 29th March and no other payment would be accommodated after. Affected pilgrims are advised to visit their respective state pilgrims boards to confirm their status. Below is a table detailing number of pilgrims that have paid the Hajj fare according to states and they remain the number expected to benefit from the intervention: S/N STATES ACTUAL NO.OF SEATS PAID FOR 1 ABIA 2 ADAMAWA 1,767 3 A/IBOM - 4 ANAMBRA 5 BAUCHI 2,290 6 BAYELSA 13 7 BENUE 87 8 BORNO 1,780 9 C/RIVER 0 10 DELTA 40 11 EBONYI 13 12 EDO 265 13 EKITI 186 14 ENUGU 18 15 FCT,ABUJA 2,489 16 GOMBE 1,262 17 IMO 98 18 JIGAWA 1,260 19 KADUNA 4,656 20 KANO 2,906 21 KATSINA 2,654 22 KEBBI 3,344 23 KOGI 13 24 KWARA 3,100 25 LAGOS 1,857 26 NASARAWA 1,866 27 NIGER 3,200 28 OGUN 925 29 ONDO 491 30 OSUN 1,548 31 OYO 1,047 32 PLATEAU 1,345 33 RIVERS 42 34 SOKOTO 3,563 35 TARABA 1,000 36 YOBE 1,290 37 ZAMFARA 1,596 38 ARMED FORCES 403 TOTAL 48,414 However, any new registration for 2024 Hajj from today, 24th of March will attract the full sum of N8,225, 464.74 from the Adamawa/Borno axis. From the North zone,fresh depositors will pay N8, 254, 464.74 whereas fresh payments from the Southern zone will attract N8, 454, 464.74 as Hajj fare. All categories are to pay within the same deadline. While the Commission regrets the short notice, it has become inevitable due to Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah's stern warning to Nigeria regarding the delay in adhering to the Hajj arrangement framework. Before now, NAHCON had pleaded for an extension which had been reluctantly granted and now the Ministry's patience is wearing thin. As for those who wish to withdraw their registration for the 2024 Hajj, they are advised to formally request for refund from their states which will be treated with all seriousness. The next four days are crucial for stakeholders, especially those willing to intervene in support of their pilgrims, to take necessary actions and ensure smooth Hajj arrangements. NAHCON remains committed to facilitating the pilgrimage experience for Nigerian Muslims and seeks cooperation from all parties involved. Fatima Sanda Usara, Assistant Director, Public Affairs, NAHCON 24th March 2024 |
Re: NAHCON Increase 2024 Hajj Fare by bbm2016(m): 5:44am On Mar 25 |
My question is why do they have to wait this late before announcing the extra fee? 2million in 4 days ? Not everyone is trafficking drugs na or is a politician. 2 Likes |
Re: NAHCON Increase 2024 Hajj Fare by Babangidapikin: 6:35am On Mar 25 |
This is unfair na ... You have been paid for a service, it is your duty to have forward same to the airline to avoid the risk on you, now in less than four days you want to them to cough roughly 2million ......who do you want to subsidy . .about 97 billion .....Na to go by Ship remain, go hire a ship |
Re: NAHCON Increase 2024 Hajj Fare by LordPherule(m): 10:37am On Apr 01 |
Oh my... Nigerian circumstances waging up! |
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