2024 Hajj: How We Spent Tinubu’s ₦90 Billion – NAHCON Chairman

Chairman of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Jalal Arabi, has detailed the allocation of the ₦90 billion approved by President Bola Tinubu for the 2024 Hajj.

During a press briefing in Abuja, Arabi explained that the depreciation of the naira due to recent foreign exchange reforms by the Central Bank of Nigeria led to insufficient payments from intending pilgrims.

To address this, he said NAHCON requested the federal government to approve a concessionary exchange rate of ₦850/$1 for the pilgrims. Instead, President Tinubu approved a ₦90 billion intervention to support the pilgrims.

The chairman explained that distributing the ₦90 billion fairly to ensure pilgrims would not need to pay extra beyond the ₦4.9 million was challenging.

NAHCON devised a distribution strategy that provided each pilgrim with ₦1.637 million from the fund, with those under the Hajj Savings Scheme receiving additional support.

He said: “By the final deadline of February 12, 2024, the unforeseen spike in foreign exchange rates had significantly complicated matters, necessitating a revision of the year’s Hajj fare from the initial ₦4.9 million.

“The financial projection after the foreign currency liberalisation indicated that each pilgrim would need to top up about ₦3.6 million in addition to the initial payment.

“This situation prompted urgent intervention. Recognizing the gravity of the situation, NAHCON promptly engaged with the Federal Government to mitigate the effects of the high cost of foreign currency, requesting a concessionary rate of ₦850 for the Dollar component of the Hajj fare.

“We are grateful to President Bola Tinubu for his swift approval of ₦90 billion instead.

“Distributing this ₦90 billion equitably to ensure that registered pilgrims would not need to pay extra beyond the ₦4.9 million was challenging.

“NAHCON then devised a distribution strategy that played a crucial role in ensuring that all stakeholders associated with the 2024 Hajj benefited from this federal government support.

“Each pilgrim received ₦1.637 million from the ₦90 billion, except for those under the Hajj Savings Scheme, who received additional support.”