Ondo State Muslim Welfare Board

NAHCON Fixes 2024 Hajj Fare Amidst Unstable Dollar

It would be recalled that the Chairman of National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Malam Jalal Ahmad Arabi had initially aimed to maintain the 2024 Hajj fare at N4.5 million that was charged as initial deposit. The prospects had remained high until the well-known Naira crash that occurred mid-week. Regrettably, the recent instability in the Dollar exchange rate compelled a necessary adjustment despite commendable efforts by NAHCON Chairman, Jalal Ahmad Arabi to maintain cost of the year’s Hajj at the said rate.

Chairman Arabi had actively negotiated substantial discounts with service providers in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in late January, striving to alleviate costs for intending pilgrims. However, the volatile currency situation within the week necessitated the Commission to take a drastic decision to consolidate the gains achieved in lowering the cost of services for the Hajj, without which the price of 2024 Muslim pilgrimage might have shot to about N6,000,000 (six million Naira).

Consequently, intending pilgrims from Nigeria’s Southern center are required to pay N4,899,000 as Hajj fare; those from the Northern center will pay N4,699,000, for the Hajj and pilgrims from Yola and Maiduguri center will pay a fee of N4,679,000 for the 2024 Hajj.

While expressing his regret, Chairman Arabi stated that this is the will of Allah, because the Commission, facing a tight deadline of 25th February, has limited time to explore further options to remain within the range of N4.5million which he assiduously worked for. Consequently, NAHCON announces the feasible cost of Hajj to meet the impending remittance deadline.

Intending pilgrims are therefore advised to balance their Hajj fare by Monday 12th of February accordingly to enable the Commission transfer the funds before the imminent deadline.

NAHCON assures the public of its commitment to ensuring a smooth and successful Hajj pilgrimage for all participants despite the challenges posed by foreign exchange factors. The Commission appreciates the understanding and cooperation of the Nigerian Muslim community during these times.

Fatima Sanda Usara,
Assistant Director, Public Affairs,
NAHCON

STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE

PRESIDENT TINUBU APPOINTS NATIONAL HAJJ COMMISSION BOARD AND MANAGEMENT TEAM

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the appointment of a new board and management team for the National Hajj Commission (NAHCOM), pending confirmation by the Nigerian Senate.

The President, in his resolve to ensure hitch-free and seamless 2024 Hajj operations, appointed the following persons to the Board of NAHCOM:

*Jalal Arabi* — Chairman (In Office)

1. Aliu Abdulrazaq — Commissioner, Policy, Personnel, & Finance

2. Prince Anofi Elegushi — Commissioner, Operations

3. Professor Abubakar A. Yagawal — Commissioner, Planning & Research

ZONAL REPRESENTATION

1. Dr. Muhammad Umaru Ndagi — North Central

2. Abba Jato Kala — North East

3. Sheikh Muhammad Bin Othman — North West

4. Tajudeen Oladejo Abefe — South West

5. Aishat Obi Ahmed — South East

6. Zainab Musa — South South

7. Professor Musa Inuwa Fodio — Jama'atul Nasril Islam

8. Professor Adedimizi Mahfouz Adebola — Supreme Council on Islamic Affairs

The President mandates the appointees to dedicate themselves to the task of ensuring that operations of the National Hajj Commission are more efficient, transparent, and responsive to the needs of Nigerians.

Chief Ajuri Ngelale

Special Adviser to the President

(Media & Publicity)

January 10, 2024

Breaking News!
NAHCON Extends Hajj Registration Deadline

In response to the heartfelt concerns raised by religious clerics, State Pilgrims’ Welfare Boards/Agencies/Commissions, State Governors and other stakeholders regarding closure of 2024 Hajj registration, the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) is pleased to announce Federal Government’s approval for an extension of the deadline. The new date is set for January 31, 2024, providing an additional opportunity for individuals to participate in this sacred pilgrimage.


The overwhelming request for extension from various religious communities underscores the significance of ensuring accessibility to a broader spectrum of the faithfuls eager to embark on the spiritual journey of Hajj.

Consequently, NAHCON is confident that before expiration of the new deadline, with the support of its sister agencies, the Commission would have determined the total cost of 2024 Hajj. The extension therefore provides a window for new registrant to do so and by the end of January, those who need to balance up payment would be able to do so as well.

NAHCON seizes this chance to remind intending pilgrims and other stakeholders that the Saudi Arabian Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has slated 25th February as end date for signing all contracts, signaling the end of payments into IBAN accounts. With this extension, NAHCON has barely a month to finalize payment of all Hajj deposits into its IBAN account for the 2024 Hajj.

This extension, even though overstretches NAHCON’s preparatory timeline, reflects the Commission’s Chairman, Malam Jalal Ahmad Arabi’s commitment to accommodating the concerns of stakeholders. He expressed gratitude to religious leaders, state boards, and governors for their advocacy on behalf of the pilgrims. Malam Arabi described this collaborative effort as a testament to the shared commitment to facilitating a meaningful and inclusive Hajj experience for all. He prayed all Hajj handlers would utilize this opportunity wel

PRESS RELEASE
2024 HAJJ: NAHCON SECURES 40 SLOTS FOR
TOUR OPERATORS
Sequel to numerous consultations with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) is pleased to announce that the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has approved Federal Government of Nigeria’s demand to increase the 2024 slots of Tour Operators from 10 to 40.
It would be recalled that in a change of policy, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia announced in September that only 5% of each Hajj-participating country’s Licensed Tour Operators would be permitted to conduct the 2024 Hajj exercise. This translated to only 10 from Nigeria. However, Federal Government of Nigeria unrelentingly engaged the Saudi ministry over Nigerian government’s course of promoting indigenous entrepreneurs as a tool in sustaining the country’s socioeconomic development. In honour, the Saudi ministry in charge of Hajj and Umrah rescinded this decision in Nigeria’s favour.
Consequently, the Commission laid down criteria in screening the earlier announced 110 qualified tour operators using, among others, the following parameters:

a. Capacity of operation;
b. Years of experience;
c. Historical antecedents; and
d. Clean bill of operation.
On the strength of the foregoing, the process of selection was tough having evaluated each operator’s ability, experience, and quality of services. As a result, the top 40 after scoring by a 7-man team of experts were adjudged to qualify and are hereby approved. They are as follows:

1. Hajj Mabrur Ventures LTD.
2. Hamsyl Travel and Tours LTD.
3. Gaskiya Tourism and T Agency LTD.
4. Shebra Travels & Tours LTD.
5. Alhujaaj International Umrah & Hajj Services LTD.
6. Taura Travel and Tours LTD.
7. Tafsan Towers & Travels LTD.
8. Amisad Air Support Services LTD.
9. Al-Qibla Travels and Tours LTD.
10. Danbare Travels Agency LTD.
11. Masanawa Travel and Tours LTD.
12. Travels Express LTD.
13. Strive Wata Travel and Tours LTD.
14. Maqbuul International Limited.
15. Matasa W

Group Photograph of the Ag. Chairman/CEO, Malam Jalal Ahmad Arabi OON, FWC with the Executive Secretaries/Chairmen of State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Boards, Agencies, Commissioners today 31/10/2023 at the Hajj House