NAHCON ends dollar payments to slash Hajj costs for Nigerian pilgrims

In a bold move to make the Hajj pilgrimage more affordable, the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has announced the end of dollar payments for Hajj services. This decision, aimed at reducing the rising cost of pilgrimage, was revealed by the Commission’s Chairman, Professor Abdullahi Saleh Usman, during his recent visit to the Emir of Argungu’s palace.

Professor Usman explained that payments in dollars for essential services such as flights have significantly increased the cost of Hajj, pricing out many potential pilgrims. He stated:

“The requirement to pay for Hajj services in dollars has placed a heavy financial burden on Nigerians. Eliminating this requirement will bring relief and make Hajj more accessible.”

He praised the Federal Government for its ongoing support, particularly through Hajj subsidies, but expressed concern over delayed fare payments, which have caused Nigeria to miss filling its allocated quota of pilgrims.

The NAHCON Chairman urged traditional and religious leaders to support this initiative by engaging stakeholders to ensure a smooth transition away from dollar transactions.

“We need our leaders to help us advocate for this change. With your support, we can remove the obstacles that prevent many Nigerians from fulfilling their religious duty,” he said.

Professor Usman pointed out the disparity in payment methods between Umrah and Hajj. While Umrah pilgrims pay in Naira, Hajj service providers still demand dollar payments, complicating the process and increasing costs.

Resolving this issue, he emphasized, could lead to a significant drop in Hajj fares for the 2025 pilgrimage.

NAHCON’s decision marks a crucial step towards making the sacred journey more financially accessible for Nigerian Muslims. By shifting to Naira-based transactions, the Commission hopes to alleviate the economic strain and increase participation in the annual pilgrimage.

This move signals a new chapter for Hajj operations in Nigeria, one focused on affordability, accessibility, and the well-being of pilgrims.