2025 Hajj: CSO, IHR urge NAHCON to refund N.4m to each intending pilgrims

..Refunds are processed after Hajj operations – Commission

 

A religious-based civil society organization (CSO), the Independent Hajj Reporters (IHR), on Thursday called on the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) to refund each Nigerian intending pilgrim for this year’s Hajj exercise in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia a little over N400,000 as a differential from the exchange rates used to calculate this year’s fare.

The Hajj Commission had, in January, announced over N8 million as the fare for 2025, with intending pilgrims from the Adamawa/Borno zone—comprising Adamawa, Borno, Taraba, and Yobe states—paying the least amount.

Reacting to the Naira’s appreciation in the forex market, the IHR, in a statement signed by its National Coordinator, Ibrahim Muhammed, and made available to Tribune Online in Abuja, stated that as against the N1,600 used to calculate the dollar component of this year’s fare, the Nigerian currency, as of February 13, was exchanging at N1,507 to the dollar.

According to the statement, “Independent Hajj Reporters (IHR) has called on the leadership of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) to refund the 26,287 confirmed intending pilgrims to Hajj 2025 from Nigeria a little over Four Hundred Thousand Naira as a differential from the exchange rates used to calculate the 2025 Hajj fare.

“NAHCON had announced a Hajj fare of over N8 million and fixed a deadline of February 10 for all payments to be deposited into its account.

“An analysis of the 2025 Hajj fare templates indicates that the Commission had fixed N1,600 to a dollar, and the dollar component within the templates shows that intending pilgrims from the North paid $4,704.18, while their southern counterparts paid $4,908.18.

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“Further analysis indicated that the exchange rate of the Naira to the dollar on February 13 was N1,507, which gives a difference of N93 per dollar.”

IHR stated that, based on its calculations, each of the 26,287 pilgrims who paid ahead of the deadline should be refunded an average of N437,000 each.

“We call on NAHCON not to wait until after the forthcoming Hajj to refund the differentials, since the money is already in its coffers, and it will go a long way in helping the pilgrims raise additional funds for their upkeep while in the holy land,” the CSO stated.

It added that the call became necessary “to further enhance transparency, which appears to be a core principle of the current leadership of the Commission.”

Meanwhile, the Hajj Commission, in a rejoinder to IHR’s appeal for the refund of the forex differential, stated that when refunds were applicable, they were traditionally processed after Hajj operations.

The rejoinder, signed by Shafii Sani Mohammed of NAHCON’s Information & Publications Division, urged the IHR and other stakeholders to prioritize “supporting the Commission in delivering a smooth and successful pilgrimage rather than making premature demands that could mislead the public or create unnecessary anxiety among intending pilgrims.”

“The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) acknowledges the concerns raised by the Independent Hajj Reporters (IHR) regarding foreign exchange differentials in the 2025 Hajj fare. However, it is important to clarify that refunds, if applicable, are traditionally processed after Hajj operations, not before.

“This ensures proper financial reconciliation, prevents disruptions in service delivery, and guarantees that all necessary expenses for the pilgrimage are fully covered before making any financial adjustments.

“As an independent media organization focused on Hajj matters, IHR plays a crucial role in informing and guiding the public. We urge them, along with other stakeholders, to prioritize supporting the Commission in delivering a smooth and successful pilgrimage rather than making premature demands that could mislead the public or create unnecessary anxiety among intending pilgrims.

“It is also important to note that Hajj planning involves multiple financial commitments, including airfare, accommodation, feeding, and local transportation, all of which are subject to international market fluctuations. These factors must be carefully managed to avoid unintended financial setbacks that could compromise the experience and welfare of Nigerian pilgrims.”

He, however, stated that the Commission remained committed to transparency, accountability, and prudent management of Hajj funds, adding that any legitimate financial adjustments would be addressed after the Hajj exercise.

“NAHCON remains committed to transparency, accountability, and the prudent management of Hajj funds. Any legitimate financial adjustments will be addressed after the Hajj exercise when all expenditures have been accounted for. Pilgrims and stakeholders can rest assured that the Commission will act in their best interest.

“Our collective priority should be the welfare of the pilgrims and the overall success of Hajj 2025. NAHCON remains open to constructive engagement and welcomes genuine collaboration toward achieving this goal,” Mohammed stated.

 

NIGERIAN TRIBUNE