Ali Ndume, the Chief Whip of the Senate, has voiced his opposition to the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria’s (NAHCON) decision to increase fees for the 2024 Hajj pilgrimage.
He has labeled the hike as unjust and a deliberate attempt to exclude Nigerian Muslims, particularly first-time pilgrims, from participating in this sacred religious journey.
NAHCON recently announced the fee adjustment, citing the current exchange rate of N1,474.00 to a dollar as the reason for the increase.
This adjustment affects approximately 49,000 intending pilgrims who had previously paid N4.9 million each when the exchange rate was N897 to a dollar. They are now required to pay an additional N1.9 million each before March 28, while new registrations are set at N8.5 million.
Expressing concern, Ndume emphasized the significance of Hajj as one of the five pillars of Islam, emphasizing its obligatory nature for Muslims.
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He urged President Bola Tinubu to consider subsidizing the extra cost incurred by the pilgrims, especially first-timers, to facilitate their participation in this year’s Hajj pilgrimage.
Furthermore, Ndume called upon state governments to assist in covering the additional expenses for intending pilgrims who are unable to afford the new fees set by NAHCON.
He argued that denying Muslims, particularly first-time pilgrims, the opportunity to fulfill their religious obligations is unjust and reflects poorly on the country.
Ndume stressed the importance of relieving pilgrims from the financial burden imposed by the fee hike, especially those who had diligently saved for years to undertake the pilgrimage.
He advocated for government intervention to ensure equitable access to Hajj, particularly for first-time pilgrims, affirming that subsidizing the fees is essential to uphold their right to participate in this spiritual journey.
