National Hajj Commission of Nigeria Ends Subsidy for Pilgrims

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has announced the federal government’s decision to discontinue subsidies for Hajj payments from 2025.

This move ends the concessionary exchange rate provided by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), leading to a potential significant increase in Hajj fares, possibly reaching N10 million per pilgrim.

NAHCON spokesperson Fatima Sanda Usara confirmed the change, citing the current exchange rate and standard Hajj fare. State pilgrim welfare boards have advised intending pilgrims to make initial deposits of N8.5 million.

Other updates include:

NAHCON is refunding 150 Saudi Riyal to 64,682 Nigerian pilgrims from the 2023 Hajj.

Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah reduced approved Private Tour Operators from 20 to 10, requiring each to register 2,000 pilgrims for Hajj visas.

NAHCON’s Executive Council approved bank guarantees for the N40 million caution deposit for 2025.

These changes aim to ensure a sustainable and organized Hajj process.