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In preparation for the 2024 Hajj, the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has asked intending pilgrims to deposit N4.5 million minimum, revealing that the year’s hajj will be expensive.
The commission also hinted that the committees’ reports for the 2023 Hajj are under review.
NAHCON Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Alhaji Zikrullah Kunle Hassan, who disclosed this while briefing newsmen Tuesday in Abuja said the commission has commenced preparation for the 2024 Hajj.
Hassan, who thanked Allah for the successes of the 2023 Hajj said despite the hiccups, the commission for the first time in 10 years safely moved 95,000 in and out of Saudi Arabia.
He said: “We are also aware of the fact that there were challenges in Muna primarily because spaces given to Nigerians were inadequate and there was shortage of food. A committee was set up to review these inadequacies and before we left Saudi Arabia we requested for refund and an apology.
“While we wait for the reform and apology, I wish to inform you at this stage that preparation for Hajj 2024 has commenced”.
NAHCON Chairman also made it known that, “The report of the assessment committee on the performance of states is under review. And in a short while, we shall make the report public so that we will give the necessary recognition to those who have been able to excel.”
He continued: “I must however tell you that next year’s Hajj is going to be expensive. And this is something we must prepare for. We must prepare for this starting from today.
“Gone forever it appears is the age of concessionary rates as we speak now the Forex is at 714 Naira to the US dollar. So if you multiply that with the dollars of the last Hajj, then imagine how many more millions you will need to add to the cost of Hajj in 2024.” (Blueprint)
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