Nigerian Muslim pilgrims who had previously made payments for the 2024 Hajj trip to Saudi Arabia are now requesting refunds following the directive from the country’s Hajj Commission to pay an additional N1.9 million.
Earlier in December 2023, the commission had set the pilgrimage fare at N4.9 million per pilgrim, based on an exchange rate of N897 to a dollar.
However, on Sunday, the commission announced an increase in the fare by N1,918,032.91, with a deadline of March 28, 2024.
The news of the fare hike has caused distress among intending pilgrims, with many expressing their inability to afford the additional amount.
Hajiya Rakiya Abubakar, for instance, expressed her concerns, stating, “When I heard the news of the increment, I couldn’t sleep. I am thinking of where to find the money to complete the payment. This is incredible.”
In states like Kwara and Lagos, pilgrims have been flocking to the pilgrims’ boards seeking refunds, as they are unable to raise the balance.
A source from one of these states revealed, “As I am talking to you, not more than 50 people have turned up to pay the balance today, and we have just two days after today (Monday) for intending pilgrims to complete the money.”
One intending pilgrim, speaking anonymously, expressed dismay, saying, “All along I have been praying that NAHCON would not announce an increment in fare but alas, this is a bitter pill to swallow. I doubt if I would still be able to go.”