NAHCON announces removal of Hajj subsidies, pilgrims to pay up to ₦10m

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has announced the removal of subsidies for the 2025 Hajj pilgrimage, potentially raising the cost for Nigerian pilgrims to as much as ₦10 million each.

This decision follows the discontinuation of the concessionary exchange rate, which previously provided pilgrims with a lower dollar rate.

NAHCON spokesperson Fatima Sanda Usara confirmed the removal of the subsidy, noting that pilgrims—whether traveling under state or private Hajj operators—will no longer benefit from the reduced exchange rate. With the naira currently at ₦1,650 to the dollar, the cost of the pilgrimage is expected to surge.

As a result, States Pilgrims Welfare Boards are asking pilgrims for an initial deposit of ₦8.5 million, although the final cost has yet to be determined by NAHCON.

To resolve lingering issues from the 2023 Hajj, NAHCON has also announced plans to refund 150 Saudi Riyals (₦64,682) to each pilgrim due to shortcomings in service delivery.

Additionally, Saudi Arabia has introduced new regulations for Private Tour Operators (PTOs), reducing the number of approved operators from 20 to 10. Each operator must now register a minimum of 2,000 pilgrims to remain eligible.

Addressing rumours of a ₦17 billion debt allegedly owed to PTOs, NAHCON’s Commissioner of Operations, Prince Anofi Olanrewaju Elegushi, clarified that the commission received ₦2.75 billion, of which ₦750 million has already been refunded. He further explained that the remaining ₦750 million is being held pending decisions by undecided PTOs.

As the cost of pilgrimage rises, NAHCON has reiterated its commitment to transparency in fund management, ensuring that pilgrims receive the services they pay for.