Hajj 2024: N4.5m minimum deposit set
The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has announced that the minimum deposit for the 2024 Hajj pilgrimage has been set at N4.5 million.
This was agreed upon at a meeting between NAHCON and the Forum of State Executive Secretaries of Pilgrims’ Welfare Boards/Agencies/Commissions on September 5, 2023.
In a statement released to newsmen by NAHCON’s Assistant Director on Public Affairs, Fatima Sanda Usara disclosed, the commission said the minimum deposit is necessary to be in tandem with the dollar rate, which will determine the final cost of the pilgrimage.
According Usara, the decision to peg the minimum deposit at N4.5 million was taken for three reasons.
“First, it will allow NAHCON and the state boards to estimate how many pilgrims will be eligible to participate in the pilgrimage, which is important for planning purposes.”
“Second, it will help to reduce the amount of top-up payments that pilgrims will need to make later on.”
“Third, it will give NAHCON a more realistic figure to work with when negotiating contracts with service providers” stated the Director.
She further explained that intending pilgrims are advised to make their deposits as soon as possible to enable their respective boards to complete registration and remittance of Hajj fare by January 5, 2024.
Fatima stressed that the commission also warned intending pilgrims not to hold NAHCON responsible if they fail to be counted among eligible applicants for the 2024 Hajj season after paying a lower amount of deposit.
In her words “the Commission also wishes to remind those interested in participating in the 2024 Hajj of the time constraint with regards to final date of funds remittance into the coffers of Saudi Arabian account for the processing of Visas”
“The Commission is expected to complete payment for accommodation and holy sites contracts by February 2024 to enable commencement of Visa issuance by 3rd March up to 29th April 2024”
“In view of this challenge, pilgrims are enjoined to make their deposits in time to enable their respective boards to complete registration and remittance of Hajj fare by 5th January” disclosed Fatima.
