The National Hajj Commission, NAHCON, has announced plans to abolish the use of the Dollar for Hajj-related payments. This the Commission said is aimed at reducing the skyrocketing cost of Hajj fares.
The Commission’s Chairman, Professor Abdullahi Saleh Usman, made the disclosure during a courtesy visit to the Emir of Argungu at his palace.
Addressing the Emir, Usman explained that paying for essential Hajj activities, such as flights, in Dollars has significantly contributed to the high cost of Hajj. Thereby making it unaffordable for many Nigerians.
The NAHCON Chairman, therefore, commended the Federal Government for its support, particularly the Hajj subsidy. He, however, expressed concern over the late payments of Hajj fares. He noted that these have led to Nigeria failing to fill its allocated quota of pilgrims.
Usman also called on traditional and religious leaders to help facilitate the abolition of the Dollar in pilgrimage-related transactions. He stated that this could be done by engaging relevant stakeholders.
The Chairman highlighted that while pilgrims pay in Naira for lesser hajj (Umrah), airlines and other service providers insist on Dollar payments for Hajj. A situation, he said created unnecessary barriers for many intending pilgrims.
Usman emphasized that addressing this issue could result in a significant reduction in Hajj fares for the 2025 Hajj exercise.
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