The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has announced a reduction of Hajj fare by over N700,000:00 for intending pilgrims across Nigeria, and fixed 5th December, as the deadline for payment.
The announcement was made in Saudi Arabia by the Chairman, Professor Abdullahi Saleh Usman, through an audio message made available to newsmen in Kano on Monday.
The Chairman explained that of the three zones in the country, all have gotten a reduction from an earlier announced fare due to the new rate of Dollar to Naira standing at N1,443:00.
“We have just concluded discussions with all stakeholders and have reached conclusions that the exchange rates per Dollar will be N1,443:00.
“As a result of this, those that come from Borno, Adamawa, Yobe and Taraba states, which we refer to as Maiduguri/Yola Zone, every intending pilgrim will now pay N7,579,020:96.
“If we compare this with what was paid last year in this zone, where pilgrims paid N8,118,333:67, there is a decrease of N748,104:63 this year.
“If we come back to the remaining northern states, that is excluding the zone we just mentioned, last year all pilgrims paid N8,457,685:59. That was what they paid last year. More so in our last public announcement that preceded this one, we said every pilgrim in this zone will pay N8,910,599:67.
“But following the recent decisions taken, every pilgrim is to mow pay N7,696,769:76. Based on this current decision, there will be a decrease of N760,915:83 when compared to what was paid last year in the other states excluding the Maiduguri/Yola Zone.
“Coming back to the southern states of Nigeria, last year, pilgrims paid, N8,784,085:59. More so, from the announcement made preceding this current one, and based on the presidential instruction, every intending pilgrim was to pay N8,213,335:67. However, with the current arrangement every intending pilgrim from the southern states will now pay N7,981,141:76.
“Therefore, based on this slash, there is a decrease of N792,943:83 from the Hajj rate this time. This is what every pilgrim will pay this year, following the presidential instruction” he stated.
“We therefore reiterate call to all intending pilgrims to ensure that they make their payments on or before 5th December, 2025 to avoid failure” he added while announcing the deadline.