LAGOS, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)-Senator Ali Ndume, Nigeria’s Senate Chief Whip, has strongly criticized the recent surge in Hajj fees for 2024 set by the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON).
He said it is unjust and a deliberate attempt to deprive Muslims, especially first-time pilgrims, of their right to participate in the pilgrimage.
In a statement released in Abuja, Senator Ndume expressed dismay over the sudden increase in fees, asserting that pilgrims who had already paid the initial amount should not be burdened with an additional N2 million fee barely a week before the registration deadline.
Highlighting the significance of Hajj as one of the five pillars of Islam, Senator Ndume emphasized that every Muslim deserves the opportunity to undertake the sacred journey to Mecca at least once in their lifetime.
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He called upon President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to authorize the payment of the extra cost as a subsidy to facilitate the participation of first-time pilgrims in this year’s Hajj.
Additionally, Senator Ndume urged state governments to cover the additional expenses for intending pilgrims who are unable to afford the revised fee set by NAHCON.
Senator Ndume condemned the unfairness of denying Muslims, particularly first-timers, their religious rights, especially after they had diligently saved up for the pilgrimage.
He stressed the urgency of addressing the situation and urged immediate action to alleviate the financial burden imposed on intending pilgrims.
Reacting to the fee hike, a spokesperson for NAHCON Fatima Sanda-Usara defended the adjustment, stating, “The current exchange rate of N1,474.00 to a dollar as the reason for the hike.
Approximately 49,000 pilgrims who had already paid the old fee of N4.9 million each were instructed to pay an additional N1.9 million before March 28, while new registrations were set at N8.5 million.
In response to Senator Ndume’s call for government intervention, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu affirmed his commitment to ensuring equitable access to Hajj for all eligible Muslims, stating; “We will explore all avenues to alleviate the financial strain on intending pilgrims, especially first-timers, and uphold their right to participate in this sacred journey.”