By Ibrahim Muhammed,
National Coordinator, Independent Hajj Reporters
08037024356
James Joyce once said, “History is a nightmare from which I am trying to awaken.” Today, I awoke to a BBC Hausa interview with the Acting Chairman/CEO of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Professor Abdullahi Usman Saleh.
During the interview, the Acting Chairman, who was screened yesterday and is currently awaiting Senate confirmation, addressed various issues, including his intention to tackle several operational matters once he settles into his new role.
However, I was surprised by his discussion on the sensitive topic of Hajj fares, specifically his promise to reduce the cost for 2025. He stated, “The commission is working round the clock to ensure there is a reduction in the amount intending pilgrims would pay for the 2025 Hajj operations.” He added, “Our hope is to even have a reduction from what was paid last year, and we are optimistic that we will achieve this with Allah’s help.”
This promise echoes those made by previous administrations, which ultimately faced media scrutiny for making unrealistic commitments without fully understanding the complexities of Hajj fare calculations.
Sir, it is crucial to approach this matter with caution and ensure adequate consultation before making such statements. For context, when the former NAHCON Chairman, Barr Kunle Hassan, took office in February 2020, the Hajj fare was around N1.5 million. Under his administration, it rose to between N2.5 million and N2.9 million. Jalal Arabi, who succeeded him, inherited a fare of N3 million but oversaw a Hajj where pilgrims paid a minimum of N6.5 million.
The factors that caused Hajj fares to escalate during their tenures could easily recur, and this necessitates a more cautious approach to public statements. Mistakes in the public domain can be costly, and accountability is paramount.
The primary determinant of Hajj fare in Nigeria is the exchange rate, over which NAHCON has no influence. There are instances when the cost of Hajj services declines, yet the overall fare increases due to exchange rate fluctuations.
Moreover, a significant reduction in Hajj fares typically depends on lower costs for airfare or accommodation in Makkah and Medina. These components constitute a substantial percentage of Hajj expenses.
Has the Chairman secured assurances from Saudi-based service providers or the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah regarding potential reductions in accommodation or feeding costs in Saudi Arabia? Has he consulted with airlines about the possibility of lowering airfare?
It is concerning that the promise to reduce Hajj fares came less than 24 hours after NAHCON’s spokesperson released a statement clarifying the government’s stance on exchange rates. The statement clearly indicated that there would be no subsidized or concessionary exchange rates for Hajj fare payments for the 2025 pilgrimage, whether through state or private operators.
While I acknowledge the Acting Chairman’s capacity to significantly reduce the cost of the 2025 Hajj fare for our pilgrims, I advise him to learn from past experiences. Ultimately, the results of his actions should speak for NAHCON.
