This was announced by the National Hajj Commission (NAHCON) which explained this move is aimed at reducing the skyrocketing cost of Hajj fares.
The Nigerian government has disclosed its plans to stop the usage of United States dollar Hajj-related activities while on the Muslim pilgrimage exercise in Saudi Arabia.
This was announced by the National Hajj Commission (NAHCON) which explained this move is aimed at reducing the skyrocketing cost of Hajj fares.
The Commission’s Chairman, Prof Abdullahi Saleh Usman, during a courtesy visit to the Emir of Argungu in Kebbi State at his palace explained that paying for essential Hajj activities, such as flights, in dollars had significantly contributed to the high cost of Hajj, making it unaffordable for many Nigerians.
Saleh commended the Nigerian government for its support, particularly the Hajj subsidy, but he expressed concerns over the late payments of Hajj fares, which had led to Nigeria failing to fill its allocated quota of pilgrims.
He called on the traditional and religious leaders to help facilitate the abolition of the dollar in pilgrimage-related transactions by engaging relevant stakeholders.
Saleh highlighted that while pilgrims pay in Naira for lesser hajj (Umrah), airlines and other service providers insist on dollar payments for Hajj, creating unnecessary barriers for many intending pilgrims.
The Chairman emphasised that addressing this issue could result in a significant reduction in Hajj fares for the 2025 Hajj exercise.
The Commision had earlier said the President Bola Tinubu-led federal government will no longer subsidise hajj payments for pilgrims starting in 2025, marking the end of the long-standing concessionary exchange rate offered by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).
The development is expected to drive hajj fares up significantly, potentially reaching N10million per pilgrim.
Previously, the subsidy allowed pilgrims to access U.S. dollars at a reduced rate, easing the financial burden of the pilgrimage.
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