The decision by the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) to raise the 2024 hajj fare by N1.9 million has triggered a wave of refund requests from intending pilgrims across the country. Many pilgrims, unable to meet the increased cost, are seeking refunds from their respective state Muslim pilgrims’ welfare boards, Daily Trust has learned.
Civil society organizations and stakeholders have also joined the call for intervention, urging President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intervene to prevent the potential collapse of this year’s hajj.
NAHCON recently announced an increase in the fare for the 2024 pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia by N1,918,032.91, setting a payment deadline of March 28, 2024. This move came as a surprise to many intending pilgrims, who had initially paid a deposit based on the previous fare of N4.9 million per pilgrim.
Intending pilgrims are now required to pay the additional amount, bringing the total cost to N6.8 million. The sudden increase has left many pilgrims scrambling to secure funds or seeking refunds.
In various states across the country, intending pilgrims have expressed uncertainty and concern over the fare hike. In Kano, officials are yet to finalize the new fare, leaving pilgrims in limbo. Many pilgrims, like Mustapha Ahmad and Hafsat Yusuf, are grappling with the financial implications of the increase, having invested significant savings or sold assets to finance their pilgrimage.
Similar challenges are reported in Kwara and Lagos states, where many pilgrims are seeking refunds due to financial constraints. The uncertainty surrounding the fare hike has cast a shadow over the prospect of fulfilling the religious obligation of hajj for many Nigerians.
Civil society organizations, including Independent Hajj Reporters and the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC), are calling on the government to intervene and provide immediate relief to affected pilgrims. They warn that failure to address the issue could result in a significant reduction in the number of Nigerian pilgrims participating in this year’s hajj.
Former government officials and hajj commissioners have also weighed in, advising pilgrims against borrowing or taking loans to meet the increased fare. They stress the need for a practical and sustainable solution to ensure that all intending pilgrims have the opportunity to fulfill their religious obligations without undue financial burden.
