Katsina State Governor, Dikko Umaru Radda has called for reforms to improve the operations of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON).
Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Ibrahim Mohammed, stated that the Governor made this call during a courtesy visit by the Chairman of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Prof Abdullahi Saleh Usman, at the Governor’s Lodge, Abuja.
Governor Radda pointed out that the 2024 Hajj operations in Katsina experienced several challenges, including the impact of currency depreciation on pilgrimage costs.
“Last year, Hajj operations faced significant difficulties, causing distress to many intending pilgrims and the government alike. Despite these challenges, we managed to send about 2,700 pilgrims from Katsina State.”
The Governor proposed reducing the pilgrimage duration from 40 days to three or four weeks to minimize costs.
“I question why our pilgrims are required to spend up to 40 days in Saudi Arabia after Hajj, while those on international Hajj programme complete their pilgrimage in just five to seven days.
Addressing medical concerns, Governor Radda revealed that his administration had to supplement NAHCON’s medical supplies last year, emphasizing the need for preventive healthcare, stating,
“I strongly recommend that malaria medication be given to pilgrims before departure to prevent serious health complications.”
The Governor also disclosed that Katsina State provided significant financial support to its pilgrims in 2024, including over ₦500 million for animal sacrifice (Hadya) and increased the Basic Travel Allowance from $400 to $4,500.
Radda stressed the importance of protecting rural pilgrims from electronic payment fraud and called for continued federal government support in subsidizing exchange rates for Hajj payments.
“I’ll be meeting with other Northwest governors to discuss this issue and collectively raise it with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to find a lasting solution,” the Governor assured NAHCON delegation.
Governor Radda explained that the federal government intervention in subsidizing the exchange rate for Hajj payments has been beneficial, urging President Tinubu to continue such support.
The Governor also noted the role of religious leaders and media in pilgrim education, expressing confidence in improved operations for future Hajj seasons.
Earlier, NAHCON Chairman, Prof Usman detailed the Commission’s efforts to reduce costs for the 2025 Hajj exercise.
“Through discussions and engagements with service providers in Saudi Arabia, we have been able to save approximately ₦50 billion for our pilgrims, and we are still working on securing additional reductions.”
The Chairman revealed that initial projections had put the 2025 Hajj fare at over ₦10 million. “However, due to our efforts, we have successfully reduced it to ₦8 million, and we are still negotiating further reductions. Insha’Allah, if we receive additional waivers, the fare will be further reduced.”
Usman identified key challenges facing the Commission, particularly the Central Bank of Nigeria’s two percent charge on remittances.
“Last year, the Federal Government provided a ₦90 billion subsidy, yet ₦1.7 billion was deducted as charges. Given that this year’s total remittance is projected to reach nearly ₦500 billion, the deduction could amount to over ₦20 billion.”
The Chairman also highlighted that aviation-related charges constitute approximately 65 percent of the total Hajj costs, indicating that the Commission has already initiated requests for waivers or reductions in these charges, which could potentially lead to further decreases in the Hajj fare.
Prof Usman sought Governor Radda’s support in engaging relevant authorities to secure these waivers, emphasizing the importance of making the pilgrimage more affordable for Nigerian Muslims.
Source: thesourcemagazine
