The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has announced that the Bola Tinubu-led federal government will no longer subsidise hajj payments for pilgrims starting in 2025, marking the end of the long-standing concessionary exchange rate offered by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).
This development is expected to drive hajj fares up significantly, potentially reaching N10 million per pilgrim.
Previously, the subsidy allowed pilgrims to access U.S. dollars at a reduced rate, easing the financial burden of the pilgrimage.
However, with the naira currently valued at N1,650 to a dollar and the standard hajj fare at approximately $6,000, the cost for each pilgrim could rise to N10 million if the exchange rate holds.
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In a statement released by NAHCON spokesperson Fatima Sanda Usara, the commission confirmed that for the 2025 hajj, “There will be no concessionary exchange rate from the government for Hajj fare payment for pilgrims whether under state or private Hajj operators.”
While NAHCON has yet to announce the official hajj fare for 2025, several state pilgrim welfare boards have already begun advising intending pilgrims to make initial deposits of N8.5 million in anticipation of the price increase.
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