- NAHCON Chairman Malam Jalal Arabi announced that each pilgrim received N1.6 million in support due to naira instability affecting Hajj payments
- The commission requested a concessionary exchange rate but received a N90 billion intervention from the federal government to assist pilgrims
The Chairman of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Malam Jalal Arabi, has stated that each pilgrim who paid for the 2024 Hajj through the government quota received support amounting to N1.6 million due to the instability of the naira.
During a press conference on Monday, Arabi explained that the depreciation of the nation’s currency, caused by foreign exchange reforms from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), made the payments previously made by intending pilgrims inadequate.
In response to this issue, the commission sought assistance from the federal government, requesting the approval of a concessionary exchange rate of N850/$1 for the pilgrims. However, the president approved a N90 billion intervention instead, which NAHCON used to assist the pilgrims.
Arabi elaborated, “By the final deadline of February 12, 2024, the unforeseen spike in foreign exchange rates had totally complicated matters, necessitating a fresh adjustment of the year’s Hajj fare from the initial N4.9 million. The financial projection after the foreign currency liberalisation was that each pilgrim would have to top up about N3.6 million in addition to the initial payment.”
Recognising the gravity of the situation, NAHCON promptly engaged with the federal government to mitigate the effects of the high cost of foreign currency. “We are grateful to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his swift approval of N90 billion instead. How to spread this N90 billion equitably so that registered pilgrims would not have to pay additionally to the N4.9 million was tough. NAHCON then decided a distribution strategy, which played a crucial role in ensuring that all stakeholders associated with the 2024 Hajj benefited from the financial stability through this federal government support.”
Each pilgrim received N1.637 million from the N90 billion, except for those under the Hajj Savings Scheme, who enjoyed more support.
Responding to a question on the death of pilgrims during the 2024 Hajj, Arabi reported that about 30 Nigerians died, with only three or four deaths attributed to the reported heat waves.
Arabi assured that his team was open to suggestions on improving future exercises and encouraged those with complaints from the recent exercise to forward them to the Commission. He promised that anyone found responsible for infractions would face due sanctions.