2024 Hajj: NAHCON gives intending pilgrims 3 weeks to deposit N4.5m

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has warned that intending pilgrims paying below the approved N4.5 million deposit will not be listed among eligible applicants for the 2024 hajj.

NAHCON had asked state pilgrim welfare boards to collect N4.5m as deposits from 2024 hajj pilgrims.

However, some state hajj agencies had set a lower amount, an average of N2 million as initial deposit.

NAHCON’s Assistant Director, Public Affairs, Fatima Sanda Usara, in a statement on Thursday, said setting a lower deposit aggregate would be more challenging for a larger number of persons to top up should the end sum be on the high side.

“This would be counterproductive to timely and accurate planning,” she said.

Usara explained that the sum was adopted for the commission to be more realistic with the number of intending pilgrims when bargaining for the cost of services.

The commission also said it has three weeks to negotiate with service providers in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, urging intending pilgrims to pay the N4.5 million deposit before then.

Usara said the Saudi Arabian authorities had set November 4, 2023, for the conclusion of preparatory meetings with the service providers, noting that by then, the commission should have an estimate of Nigerian intending pilgrims to enable it to negotiate prices for services to be rendered.

“Knowing the estimated number of eligible pilgrims is one of the indices that would guide the preparatory meetings. This Saudi timeline is roughly three weeks from now.

“The commission is expected to complete payment for accommodation and holy sites contracts by February 2024 to enable commencement of visa issuance by March 3 up to April 29, 2024.

“Given this challenge, pilgrims are enjoined to make their deposits in time to enable their respective boards to complete registration and remittance of hajj fare by 5th January.”

Meanwhile, the Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has directed the state’s Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board to proceed with the 2024/1445AH Hajj and Ramadan Umrah operations with the sales of forms to intending pilgrims.

Credit: Daily Trust