Ndume rejects Hajj fee hike, alleges plot to deprive Muslims of right

Senate Chief Whip, Ali Ndume, has rejected the increase in fees for the 2024 Hajj by the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON).

He described the increase as unfair and a deliberate plan to deprive Nigerian Muslims, especially those coming for the first time, of their right and opportunity to participate in the exercise.

NAHCON announced the new rate adjustment in a statement issued by commission spokesperson Fatima Sanda-Usara on Sunday.

Explaining the reason for the increase, the commission said the current rate of N1,474.00 to the dollar makes adjustment imperative.

NAHCON said about 49,000 prospective pilgrims, under the public quota, had already paid the sum of N4.9 million to the commission while the naira was still at 897 naira to the dollar in banks.

About 49,000 pilgrims who had earlier paid the old fee of N4.9 million each to the commission have been asked to pay an additional N1.9 million each by March 28, while new registrations have been fixed at 8.5 million naira.

Ndume said in a statement that pilgrims who had previously paid the old fees cannot be forced to fork out almost N2 million barely a week before registration ends.

Ndume, while listing the five pillars of Islam, namely: Shahada, Salah, Zakat, Sawm and Hajj, said the holy pilgrimage to Mecca is required of every Muslim at least once in their lifetime.

He called on President Bola Tinubu to approve the payment of the additional cost as a subsidy to enable newcomers to attend this year’s Hajj to the Holy Land.

He also appealed to the respective state governments to bear the additional costs associated with prospective pilgrims who cannot afford the new fees set by NAHCON.

He said denying Muslims their religious rights, especially those coming for the first time, is unfair and does not reflect well on the country, at a time when Nigerians are finding it difficult to increase the upfront payment.

Ndume noted: “The sudden increase in fees that prospective pilgrims are expected to pay by NAHCON is unfair. You can’t impose that on them. They had already paid in advance. If there is any change, the onus should be on NAHCON and not on future pilgrims.

“Something needs to be done urgently about this. I appeal to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to approve the payment of the additional fees as requested by NAHCON. It’s the right thing to do to save the situation.

“I also appeal to states where pilgrims come from to subsidize the expenses of pilgrims, especially those who are coming for the first time. Hajj is one of the pillars of Islam and it is unfair to deny beginners the right to perform this spiritual exercise, especially after they have already paid the old fees set by NAHCON.

“I don’t think it’s fair to ask them to pay almost N2 million again. Many pilgrims have saved money for many years to be able to participate in the Hajj. You cannot deny these people the right to participate.

“I strongly believe that the right thing to do is to subsidize the fees and ease the additional burden on pilgrims, especially those who are coming for the first time and who deserve to participate in this year’s Hajj exercise. We must help them.