Pilgrims to pay more as NAHCON removes Hajj subsidies

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has announced the removal of subsidies for the 2025 Hajj pilgrimage, a decision that could see Nigerian pilgrims paying as much as ₦10 million each.

This development follows the discontinuation of the concessionary exchange rate, which previously allowed pilgrims to access a lower dollar rate.

Fatima Sanda Usara, NAHCON’s spokesperson, confirmed the removal of the subsidy, explaining that there will no longer be a reduced exchange rate for pilgrims, whether under state or private Hajj operators.

With the naira currently standing at ₦1,650 per dollar, the cost of the pilgrimage is expected to rise significantly.

As a result, States Pilgrims Welfare Boards are now requesting an initial deposit of ₦8.5 million from pilgrims, though the final cost is yet to be determined by NAHCON.

To address unresolved issues from the 2023 Hajj, NAHCON has announced plans to refund 150 Saudi Riyals (₦64,682) to each pilgrim due to service-related shortcomings.

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Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia has introduced new regulations for Private Tour Operators (PTOs), reducing the number of approved operators from 20 to 10. Each operator must now register a minimum of 2,000 pilgrims to maintain their eligibility.

Addressing rumours regarding a ₦17 billion debt allegedly owed to PTOs, NAHCON’s Commissioner of Operations, Prince Anofi Olanrewaju Elegushi, clarified that the commission received ₦2.75 billion, of which ₦750 million has already been refunded.

He added that the balance of ₦750 million remains with the commission, pending decisions by undecided PTOs.

As the cost of pilgrimage continues to rise, NAHCON has emphasized transparency in fund management and is working to ensure that pilgrims receive the services they pay for.