The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria, NAHCON, has fixed N4.8 million as 2024 Hajj fare for intending pilgrims from the Southern departure centre.
Jalal Arabi, the chairman, NAHCON, said this in a statement signed by Fatima Sanda-Usara, the spokesperson for the commission, in Abuja on Saturday.
He said the commission had secured substantial discounts from service providers in Saudi Arabia to reduce the cost of the pilgrimage on the intending pilgrims.
Mr Arabi said that the cost of the 2024 Hajj would have shot to N6 million due to the volatile currency situation in Nigeria, but for the commission’s intervention by consolidating the gains achieved in lowering the cost of services.
”Consequently, intending pilgrims from Nigeria’s Southern centre are required to pay N4,899,000 as Hajj fare.
”Those from the Northern centre will pay N4,699,000, for the Hajj and pilgrims from Yola and Maiduguri centre will pay a fee of N4,679,000 for the 2024 Hajj.
”This is the will of Allah, because the commission, facing a tight deadline of Feb. 25, has limited time to explore further options to remain within the range of N4.5million which it assiduously worked for,” he said.
Arabi advised intending pilgrims to balance their Hajj fare by Monday, Feb. 12 to enable the commission transfer the funds before the deadline.
He assured of the commission commitment to ensure a smooth and successful Hajj for all intending pilgrims in spite of the challenges posed by foreign exchange.
”The commission appreciates the understanding and cooperation of the Nigerian Muslim community during these times,” he said.
(NAN)
