The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has pledged to work toward reducing the dollar components in the overall Hajj fare to mitigate the increasing cost of performing the pilgrimage.

Additionally, the commission stated that necessary measures would be explored to eliminate the hardships Nigerian pilgrims often face during airlifts and their stay in Saudi Arabia.

Although dollar components account for a large percentage of the overall cost of Hajj, the commission has directed an initial payment of N8.4 million for the 2025 exercise.

NAHCON Chairman, Professor Abdullahi Saleh Usman, gave the assurance during an official visit to Governor Nasir Idris at Government House in Kebbi.

Professor Usman, who disclosed efforts to reposition the Hajj exercise in the country, highlighted modest successes and projections aimed at improving the welfare of Nigerian pilgrims in the holy land.

The Chief Executive Officer stated that the commission, under his leadership, is working hard to reverse the negative trends inherited upon assuming office and assured that no stone would be left unturned to address notable challenges.

According to Professor Usman, arrangements are being fine-tuned by NAHCON to organize proper Hajj operations for 2025 and beyond, while measures to enhance the exercise are being outlined.

“We have recorded some positive developments in this direction, and the discussions are still ongoing. We are making efforts to increase the number of banks handling the Hajj saving scheme with the introduction of other commercial banks.

“We value the invaluable support of the Kebbi State government and other critical stakeholders for the success of the next Hajj. With all hands on deck, we will reverse the negative trends inherited,” Professor Usman said.

Earlier, Governor Nasir Idris urged the new leadership of NAHCON to implement plausible measures to improve subsequent Hajj operations in the country.

Governor Idris, recalling experiences from the 2024 Hajj operations, lamented poor arrangements for accommodation and other crucial services for pilgrims.

The Governor said, “I was also a witness as I performed the last Hajj. Myself, alongside some governors, other highly placed Nigerians, and our pilgrims, were stranded and left to suffer. However, I am extremely confident in the ability of the new NAHCON team to change the negative narratives.

“Plausible measures should be urgently taken to reverse the ugly story of the 2024 Hajj and significantly improve the exercise. For us, we will continue to render the needed support to our Pilgrims Welfare Agency (PWA) and NAHCON in this direction, and we will never relent,” Governor Idris assured.