The number of intending pilgrims that have so far registered for 2025 Hajj across Nigeria’s 36 States and FCT Abuja is about 25,000, Hajj Reporters authoritatively reports.
The unofficial figure has put pressure on the States Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Boards and National (NAHCON) on how to deal with the causative factors to this abysmal situation.
Hajj Reporters learned that one of the strategies adopted by the NAHCON leadership is to embark on familiarisation and mobilisation visits to critical Hajj stakeholders, especially those that can mobilise pilgrims.
A highly placed source who spoke to Hajj Reporters under anonymity stated that “the ongoing familiarization visits by NAHCON is part of the broader strategy meant to sensitize pilgrims and stakeholders on the dire situation”.
Proffesor Saleh has so far visited Lagos, Kebbi, Sokoto and Borno States
“We are in a difficult period that need the support of critical stakeholders in the country. The cost of Hajj is on the high side and we know it will be difficult to utilize 50 percent of our quota this year. The poor enlightenment and late announcement of commencement of registration by some states also constitute to the challenge,” the source said.
Nigeria has been allocated 95,000 seat for 2025 Hajj
Intending pilgrims reacts
Reacting to enquiries by HAJJ REPORTERS, some of the intending pilgrims adduced reasons for the delay in registration.
Malam Dahiru Abubakar, an intending pilgrim from Kaduna State, said the N8.4 million initial deposit is the greatest problem for most of those who want to perform the 2025 Hajj.
According to the source, he along with three of his friends have planned to perform Hajj this year but they are all traders and are finding it difficult to tie down N8.4 million for five to six months.
“It could have been better if they allow like N3 to N5 million then another N3 million after 3 months. That is the only easy way for us. Another issue is that we don’t know whether the fare may even rise above the initial deposit.
Another intending pilgrim, Malam Mustapha Suleiman, an intending pilgrim from Kano State, said the
Hajj fare is beyond his reach.
Mustapha, who is a banker, said he has been saving for 2 years with intention of going for Hajj in 2025, but said he has jettisoned the idea.
“How much is my salary and how many years will it take me to save that amount? I am now thinking of going for Umrah in Ramadan and wait for when Allah will call me for Hajj”.
On her part, Haiiya Maimuna said she has made a deposit of N8.4 million for her mother but regretted that she may be forced to abandoned the idea if the Hajj fare eventually goes above N8.4 million.
“Yes, I have paid for my mum even though she complained that I should jettisoned the idea because the fare is too much. I had promised her for years and I wanted to fulfill my promise to her. I am waiting to hear the exact Hajj fare before I take the final decision.
