Senator Ali Ndume, who is the Chief Whip of the Senate, has stated that he disagrees with the raise in fees for the 2024 Hajj by the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria. He believes that it is unjust and was done on purpose to prevent Nigerian Muslims, especially those going for the first time, from being able to take part in the event.
On Sunday, NAHCON announced a new rate adjustment through a statement delivered by its spokesperson, Fatima Sanda-Usara.
The commission explained that the current rate of N1,474.00 to a dollar makes it necessary to make the adjustment.
It was mentioned in the statement that around 49,000 people who intended to go for the pilgrimage using the public quota had initially paid N4.9m to the commission when the naira was still N897 to a dollar at the banks.
Around 49,000 pilgrims who had already paid the old fees of N4.9m each to the commission have been asked to pay an additional N1.9m each by March 28, while new registrations will be set at N8.5m.
Ndume said in a statement released in Abuja that it is not fair to compel pilgrims who had already paid the old fees to come up with almost N2m, especially with only one week left for registration.
Ndume, while mentioning the five pillars of Islam – Shahada, Salah, Zakat, Sawm, and Hajj, emphasized that the sacred journey to Mecca is obligatory for every Muslim at least once in their lifetime.
He also appealed to President Bola Tinubu to authorize the payment of the extra cost as a subsidy so that first-time participants can attend this year’s Hajj to the Holy Land.
He also urged the respective state governments to cover the additional cost for intending pilgrims who are unable to pay the new fee set by NAHCON.
He stated that denying Muslims, especially first-time participants, their religious rights is unjust and reflects poorly on the country.
Ndume expressed that he believes the sudden increase in the fees for intending pilgrims, as directed by NAHCON, is unfair. He states that such a burden should not be imposed on them, especially since they had already made their payments. If any changes are to be made, NAHCON itself should bear the burden and not the intending pilgrims.
He added that urgent action needs to be taken on this matter, appealing to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to authorize the payment of the extra fee as instructed by NAHCON, viewing it as the necessary step to resolve the situation.
He further urged the states from which the pilgrims are coming to lower the fees, particularly for first-time participants. He finds it unfair to deny them the opportunity to take part in this spiritual exercise, especially after they have already paid the previous fee set by NAHCON.
He explained that requiring them to pay almost N2m again is not fair. Many of the pilgrims saved up the money for many years to be able to participate in Hajj. It is not right to deprive such people of the chance to participate.
He strongly believes that it is right to reduce the fee and relieve the pilgrims of the additional burden, especially first-time participants who deserve to take part in this year’s Hajj exercise. They need assistance.
