The Hajj Commission, has disclosed that late remittance of Hajj fees has led to an increase in price, and pilgrims are expected to pay an additional N1.9 million, News About Nigeria reports.
The Commission disclosed this in an update released through its official X handle on Sunday, noting that intending pilgrims should pay the additional cost before 11:59 p.m. on March 28, 2024.
The Commission noted that the additional fee is a result of the naira fluctuation against the US dollar.
Recall that the Commission had earlier pegged the fare for Hajj at about 4.9 million, depending on the departure zone as approved by the government.
However, according to the National Hajj Commission, NAHCON, the revaluation of the Naira against the US dollar in the foreign exchange market resulted in additional costs.
“It is widely acknowledged that Hajj preparation follows a strict timeline. As for the 2024 Haj, the preparatory timeline released by the Saudi Ministry of Haj and Umrah began earlier than usual and is expected to end before its normal timing. NAHCON endeavoured 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 February 12, 2024. Recall that on December 31, 2023, the naira was still at N897:00 to a dollar at the banks. These shifts, unfortunately, pushed the Haj fare collection deadline to fall after the harmonisation of foreign exchange rates, presenting a new and significant challenge,” the commission stated.
The Commission further noted that about 6,441 intending pilgrims had made the initial payment and advised them to visit their state pilgrims boards to confirm their status.
The states included Bauchi, which had the highest figure of 2,290, followed by Adamawa(1,767). Thirdly, Edo(265) and others made up the total number of 6,441.
“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 by 11:59 pm of 28th March 2024. The Commission will shut down its system by 29th March, and no other payment will be accommodated after.
“Affected pilgrims are advised to visit their respective state pilgrim boards to confirm their status.” The commission added.
