Why we have not announced 2025 Hajj fare — NAHCON

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has explained that the delay in announcing the fare for the 2025 Hajj is due to the need for thorough data collection on the costs pilgrims will be required to cover.

Speaking at the annual lecture and award ceremony organised by the Independent Hajj Reporters in Abuja, NAHCON’s Commissioner of Policy, Personnel Management, and Finance (PPMF), Prince Aliu Abdulrazaq, clarified that the goal is to avoid the need for subsidies after announcing the fare.

Abdulrazaq, who is currently managing the commission’s affairs, emphasised NAHCON’s commitment to transparency and vowed to ensure that the 2025 Hajj surpasses previous years in terms of efficiency and organisation.

“We are carefully evaluating all components of the Hajj fare to avoid setting a price that would later require additional subsidies. Hajj is a deeply personal and spiritual journey for pilgrims, and it’s important we manage the cost responsibly,” he stated.

He also urged the government to act promptly and make necessary announcements without further delay.

“I assure you that we will thoroughly review all the relevant factors to ensure transparency. If we anticipate any shortcomings, we will invite stakeholders to discuss them,” he added.

Meanwhile, the Deputy Rector of the National Hajj Institute, Prof. Wasiu Gabadeen, expressed concern that NAHCON has yet to announce a payment deadline for the 2025 Hajj, especially as visa issuance is expected to begin in less than five months.

He noted that it is certain the fare will increase compared to 2024, and that pilgrims need to be informed early to plan accordingly.

“It is inevitable that the Hajj fare will exceed what was paid in 2024, given the current dollar exchange rate. So why is the announcement delayed? We should be setting deadlines, and we need clarity on state allocations,” Gabadeen remarked.

Ibrahim Muhammed, National Coordinator of Independent Hajj Reporters (IHR), also called on the Nigerian Senate to fast track the screening and confirmation of NAHCON’s new chairman to facilitate proper planning for the 2025 Hajj.