Forex Will Determine 2024 Hajj Fare — NAHCON Chair

By Alabidun Shuaib AbdulRahman

The Chairman of the National Hajj Commission, Alhaji Zikrullah Kunle Hassan, has disclosed that the cost of the 2024 Hajj pilgrimage will be determined by stability or fluctuations in foreign exchange rates.

Speaking at a crucial review meeting held today at the Hajj House in Abuja, he encouraged prospective pilgrims to begin depositing a minimum of N4.5 million naira while awaiting the official announcement of the final fee.

Alhaji Zikrullah emphasised that the potential for fluctuation in Hajj fares hinges on the unpredictable nature of foreign exchange rates.

He noted that if the foreign exchange rate were to rise, the Hajj fare would also increase, and conversely, it could decrease if the exchange rate stabilizes or decreases.

The announcement came during the first review meeting held since the conclusion of the 2023 Hajj pilgrimage.

According to him, “I must tell you that next year’s Hajj is going to be expensive and this is something we must prepare for. We must prepare for this starting from today.

“I’m not saying that we will be able to know the cost today. What we must know is that the next Hajj is going to be expensive. And I must tell you why.

“Gone forever it appears is the age of concessionary rates. As we speak now, the FOREX is at 740 Naira to the US dollar.

“So if you multiply that with the dollars of the last Hajj, then imagine how many more millions you will need to add to the cost of Hajj in 2024. So, that is to tell you to prepare ahead, it is a fact that it is going to cost more.

The meeting brought together executive chairmen of states, agencies, and tour operators, marking a critical step in the preparations for the upcoming 2024 Hajj.