The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has revealed that there will be no concessionary rates or government subsidy provided for the 2025 Hajj Exercise.
This decision was made public by NAHCON’s Commissioner for Operations, Anofi Elegushi, following a virtual meeting with Private Tour Operators.
“It was confirmed that for the 2025 Hajj, there will be no concessionary exchange rate from the government for Hajj fare payment for pilgrims whether under state or private Hajj operators,” NAHCON’s Spokesperson, Fatima Usara, stated.
Elegushi emphasized that pilgrims registered under state Pilgrims’ Welfare Boards or through private operators will not receive concessionary rates.
This means that at the current exchange rate of over N1,600/$1, pilgrims may pay up to N10m for the 2025 exercise, significantly higher than previous years. Last year, the Federal Government provided a subsidy of N90bn to support intending pilgrims.
“We are yet to fix deposit fares for the 2025 Hajj, but some states, including the FCT, have announced initial deposits of N8.5m for intending pilgrims,” Usara added.
READ ALSO: Cracks in AHUON: Members defy leadership’s directive to suspend 2025 Hajj preparations
Senate c`ttee screens new chairman
Meanwhile, the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs has screened Professor Abdullahi Saleh Usman as the new Chairman/CEO of NAHCON. His nomination by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu follows the ousting of Jalal Ahmad Arabi over allegations of corruption and mismanagement of funds.
Professor Usman’s leadership is expected to bring stability and direction to the agency, which has been under scrutiny. His expertise will be invaluable in addressing the challenges of organizing the annual Hajj pilgrimage. With the screening process complete, all eyes are on the Senate for confirmation of Professor Usman’s appointment.
As NAHCON prepares for the 2025 Hajj, Professor Usman pledged to work closely with stakeholders to ensure a seamless and successful pilgrimage experience for Nigerian Muslims. “My leadership will be instrumental in shaping the commission’s policies and programs, and my expertise will be invaluable in addressing the challenges that come with organizing the annual Hajj pilgrimage,” he stated.
The nomination of Professor Usman is seen as a strategic move by President Tinubu, especially given the recent developments surrounding the National Hajj Commission. “We expect Professor Usman to bring stability and direction to the agency,” a Senate source noted.
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