The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has asked the 48,414 registered pilgrims to pay additional N1.9 million within the next four days, jerking up the total fare to N6.8 million.
The commission attributed the sudden rise to the foreign exchange crisis ravaging the country.
Earlier, the hajj commission has pegged the 2024 hajj fare at N4.9 million, stirring series of discontent among stakeholders.
But with the latest decision, the over 48,000 intending pilgrims who have paid N4.9 million, would now cough out additional N1.9 million between March 24 and March 28, 2024 if they want to perform the 2024 pilgrimage.
The commission said Nigerians who intend to perform hajj but have not made any deposit earlier can now pay N8.2 million in full within the next four days.
NAHCON revealed this in a statement signed by its spokesperson Fatima Sanda Usara on Sunday.
The statement said, “Intending pilgrims that still wish to participate in the 2024 Hajj are by this release advised to proceed and pay a balance of N1,918,032.91 latest by 11:59 pm of 28th March 2024. The Commission will shut down its system by 29th March and no other payment would be accommodated after.
“Affected pilgrims are advised to visit their respective state pilgrims boards to confirm their status. Below is a table detailing number of pilgrims that have paid the Hajj fare according to states and they remain the number expected to benefit from the intervention.”
The commission said Nigerians who still want to participate in the holy exercise but have not made any deposit, have four days to make their full payments. “However, any new registration for 2024 Hajj from today, 24th of March will attract the full sum of N8,225, 464.74 from the Adamawa/Borno axis. From the North zone,fresh depositors will pay N8, 254, 464.74 whereas fresh payments from the Southern zone will attract N8, 454, 464.74 as Hajj fare. All categories are to pay within the same deadline.”
