2024 hajj: CSO asks FG to grant concessionary exchange rate for intending pilgrims

Independent Hajj Reporters (IHR), a civil society organisation (CSO), has asked the federal government to approve a reduction of the foreign exchange rate for 2024 intending pilgrims.

In a statement on Wednesday, Ibrahim Mohammed, national coordinator of the organisation, said only about 16 percent of intending pilgrims have registered for the 2024 hajj exercise.

Mohammed said the high exchange rate has affected the projected cost of hajj, adding that it has“prevented most intending pilgrims from registering to perform the fifth pillar of Islam”.

He said about 65 to 70 percent of Nigerian pilgrims are peasant farmers who needed to save to perform hajj, adding that the current exchange rate has devalued their earnings.

He added that the 2024 hajj fare may exceed N5 million, noting that pilgrims usually pay for all the services enjoyed in Nigeria and Saudi Arabia.

He asked the federal government to intervene in the situation as the country stands the risk of being “embarrassed”.

He said it would be the first time in history that Nigeria may not be able to utilise even 30 percent of its allocated 95,000 slots.

“Nigeria has 95,000 Hajj slots which have been distributed in the ratio of 80:20 to state Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Boards and Private Hajj Operators. So far, less than 16,000 pilgrims have registered representing a mere 16 per cent of the 2024 hajj slots,” the statement reads.

“The current floating of forex has wiped out the value of their hard-earned savings – a challenge that is beyond their control.

“The new Saudi Arabian Hajj calendar stipulated that issuance of visas will be closed 50 days to Arafat while all hajj participating countries, including Nigeria, are expected to finalize all hajj service contracts by 25th February – meaning Nigeria has less than 60 days to draw the curtain on pre hajj preparations.

“It is scary that despite the new rule, the country is yet to register even 20,000 pilgrims

“We appeal to the federal government to consider the plight of those farmers who are facing multiple challenges of low harvest due to insecurity and unfavourable weather conditions and wade in by granting concessions on forex rates to allow timely registration of intending pilgrims.

“Our findings reveal that most intending pilgrims are looking up to the announcement of final hajj fare before deciding whether they could afford the cost of the next hajj or not.”

The national coordinator expressed concern over the lack of commitment by intending pilgrims to make deposits for hajj over fear of fare hikes.

“More importantly, NAHCON has been shouldering the operational expenditure of Hajj since 2019 without recourse to the government at any level.

“Government should complement these efforts by granting a concessionary rate for 2024 hajj.”