The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has announced that intending pilgrims must pay a ₦4.5 million deposit within the next three weeks. The commission will use this time to negotiate with service providers in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Fatima Sanda Usara, NAHCON’s Assistant Director of Public Affairs, issued a statement on Thursday, highlighting the importance of early preparations for the 2024 hajj. She explained that this deposit serves three primary purposes.
First, it allows the states and the commission to estimate the number of eligible pilgrims by November 4, 2023, which is the deadline set by Saudi Arabia for preparatory meetings with service providers. This estimate will guide the commission’s negotiations with service providers.
The ₦4.5 million deposit also eases the financial burden on pilgrims, enabling them to pay the remaining amount when the final fare is announced. Setting a lower deposit could lead to challenges for pilgrims in topping up their payments, especially if the final cost is higher.
Furthermore, the deposit amount provides a realistic basis for bargaining with service providers for accommodation, airline fares, meals, and other services. It ensures that the commission can make accurate preparations based on the number of pilgrims who have reached the ₦4.5 million threshold.
Usara emphasized the importance of pilgrims paying this amount, as those who pay a lower deposit may not be considered eligible applicants for the 2024 hajj.
She also reminded intending pilgrims of the time constraints for fund remittance into the Saudi Arabian account for visa processing. The commission is expected to complete payment for accommodation and holy sites contracts by February 2024 to enable the issuance of visas from March 3 to April 29, 2024. To meet this timeline, pilgrims are urged to make their deposits in a timely manner, allowing their respective boards to complete registration and remittance of Hajj fare by January 5.
