NAHCON Chairman Highlights Milestones Under Renewed Hope Administration

NAHCON

The Chairman of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has outlined significant achievements recorded under the Renewed Hope Administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, despite prevailing economic challenges.

Speaking during a briefing in Katsina before Governor Dikko Umar Radda, PhD, and members of the North West Governors’ Forum, the Chairman praised President Tinubu’s interventions, which he said have been crucial in stabilizing Hajj operations and safeguarding the welfare of Nigerian pilgrims.

According to the Chairman, the President approved ₦90 billion to cushion the impact of foreign exchange on 2024 Hajj fares and an additional ₦24 billion to settle 2023 airline debts — a move that saved domestic carriers from collapse. The President also directed airlines to accept local currency, sparing pilgrims the burden of volatile forex rates.

In further reforms, NAHCON suspended the CBN credit card BTA policy and expanded the Hajj Saving Scheme, enabling intending pilgrims to save gradually toward future pilgrimages. To promote transparency, the Commission refunded ₦5.3 billion to State Pilgrims’ Welfare Boards for services that were not rendered in 2023.

On welfare, NAHCON secured VIP Tent ‘A+’ in Makkah, renegotiated contracts to reflect actual pilgrim numbers, and ensured that over 98% of required medicines were supplied, with health workers fully mobilized to serve pilgrims.

The Chairman also disclosed that pilgrims enjoyed significant cost savings during the 2024 Hajj:

720 Riyals on Mashair services
200 Riyals on Madinah accommodation
303 Riyals on transport
Reductions in airfares across all regions
“These successes reflect the vision of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the strong support of leaders like Your Excellency,” the Chairman stated. “With your continued partnership, NAHCON will sustain these gains and serve our pilgrims even better.”

The Chairman assured that the Commission remains committed to improving efficiency, transparency, and overall pilgrimage experience for Nigerians in the years ahead