Independent Hajj Reporter (IHR), a non-governmental organisation, has appealed to the Federal Government to intervene in the upward review of 2024 Hajj fare to rescue Nigerian pilgrims.
The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) had, earlier in December 2023, fixed a fare of N4.9 million per pilgrim based on an exchange rate of N897.00 to a Dollar.
The volatility of the forex, however, forced the Hajj Commission to announce a new fare of additional N1.9 million for those already registered through their respective states, and N8.4 million for new intending pilgrims.
In a statement by the National Coordinator, IHR, Ibrahim Muhammed, yesterday, the group expressed worry that the tested development may compel many Nigerians to miss the lifetime opportunity if concerned authorities did not intervene.
The statement said: “As a Civil Society Organisation with ears to the ground when it comes to Hajj matters, we are sure that over 90 per cent of those who paid the initial deposit of N4.9 million cannot afford to raise additional N1.9 million within four days.
“It has, therefore, become imperative for us to call on the governors and the Federal Government to come in and provide immediate succour for pilgrims by providing additional payments as a form of subsidy.”
