The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has declared that there will be no concessionary rates or government subsidies for the 2025 Hajj pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia. This pivotal decision was revealed by NAHCON’s Commissioner for Operations, Anofi Elegushi, during a virtual meeting with Private Tour Operators (PTOs).
According to a statement issued by the Commission’s spokesperson, Fatima Usara, Elegushi confirmed that pilgrims registered under both the State Pilgrims’ Welfare Boards and private operators would not benefit from any special exchange rates for Hajj fare payments. “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,” the statement highlighted.
This policy shift implies that with the current exchange rate standing at over N1,600 to $1, pilgrims, who typically pay at least $6,000 for Hajj, could be facing payments of up to N10 million for the 2025 pilgrimage. This development marks a significant departure from previous years, where government subsidies made the pilgrimage more affordable for many Nigerians.
The announcement has sparked mixed reactions among the public. While some understand the financial constraints driving this decision, others express concerns about the increased financial burden on prospective pilgrims. NAHCON, however, assures that efforts are being made to ensure transparency and fairness in the fare collection process.
