•NAHCOM chairman, Professor Abdullahi Saleh (L) and Emir of Argungu
The National Hajj Commission (NAHCON) has announced plans to abolish the use of the dollar for Hajj-related payments, a move aimed at reducing the skyrocketing cost of Hajj fares.
This was disclosed by the Commission’s Chairman, Professor Abdullahi Saleh Usman, during a courtesy visit to the Emir of Argungu at his palace.
The chairman explained that paying for essential Hajj activities, such as flights, in dollars has significantly contributed to the high cost of Hajj, making it unaffordable for many Nigerians.
Saleh commended the federal government for its support, particularly the Hajj subsidy, but expressed concern over the late payments of Hajj fares, which have led to Nigeria failing to fill its allocated quota of pilgrims.
He called on traditional and religious leaders to help facilitate the abolition of the dollar in pilgrimage-related transactions by engaging relevant stakeholders.
Saleh highlighted that while pilgrims pay in Naira for lesser hajj (Umrah), airlines and other service providers insist on dollar payments for Hajj, creating unnecessary barriers for many intending pilgrims.
The chairman emphasised that addressing this issue could result in a significant reduction in Hajj fares for the 2025 Hajj exercise.
