...Intending pilgrims to pay as much as N8,457,685.59

By GARBA MUHAMMAD, Kaduna

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) under the leadership of its Chairman, Professor Abdullahi Saleh Usman, has announce the Hajj fare for the 2025 season.

The fare was announced sequel to approval from the Office of the Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Intending pilgrims from the Northern zone will pay N8, 457,685.59.

The 2025 Hajj fare for Borno and Adamawa zone, intending pilgrims are expected to pay N8,327,125.59.

Similarly, the cost of 2025 Hajj for intending pilgrims from Southern states is N8, 784, 085.59.

This is contained in a statement by Fatima Sanda Usara, Assistant Director Information and Publication , NAHCON, early hours of Monday January 20, 2025.

According to the statement , the modest effort on the fare was reached after extensive consultations to ensure inclusivity in this important decision-making process.

The statement urged the public to visit the NAHCON website on nahcon.gov.ng or through States’ Pilgrims’ Welfare Boards for further details and breakdown of the fare.

It acknowledged that indeed NAHCON Chairman and his team in collaboration with representative of the Presidency, Malam Ameen Amshi, who is Special Assistant to the President, Special Duties did their best to maintain the Hajj fare within the same range as previously charged.

"Professor Saleh commended the whole team, describing the Hajj fare as a product of extensive collaboration with all stakeholders.

"He appreciated the support of the Presidency and Forum of State E.S. The Chairman urged prospective pilgrims to take note of the timelines and Saudi guidelines while emphasizing the importance of early payment and timely registration to avoid last-minute inconveniences.

"Others who actively participated in stemming the cost are leadership of State Executive Secretaries, namely Malam Idris Ahmad Almakura, the Forum Chairman who doubles as the Executive Secretary (E.S) of Nasarawa State Pilgrims Welfare Board, his colleague from Kebbi State and Deputy Chairman of the Forum, Alhaji Faruku Aliyu Yaro, with their Secretary and E.S of Adamawa State, Alhaji Abubakar Salihu among others who worked tirelessly to ensure that the fares do not skyrocket", the statement added.