Katsina State Governor, Malan Dikko Umaru Radda called for reform to improve the operations of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON).
In a statement signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Katsina State, Ibrahim Kaula Mohammed, Said the Governor made this call during a courtesy visit by the Chairman of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Professor Abdullahi Saleh Usman, at the Governor’s Lodge, Abuja.
In his remarks, Governor Radda reflected on the 2024 Hajj operations in Katsina where he outlined several challenges, including the impact of currency depreciation on pilgrimage costs. “Last year, Hajj operations faced significant difficulties, causing distress to many intending pilgrims and the government alike. Despite these challenges, we managed to send about 2,700 pilgrims from Katsina State,” he noted.
The Governor proposed reducing the pilgrimage duration from 40 days to three or four weeks to minimize costs. “I question why our pilgrims are required to spend up to 40 days in Saudi Arabia after Hajj, while those on international Hajj programs complete their pilgrimage in just 5 to 7 days,” he remarked.
Addressing medical concerns, Governor Radda revealed that his administration had to supplement NAHCON’s medical supplies last year. He emphasized the need for preventive healthcare, stating, “I strongly recommend that malaria medication be given to pilgrims before departure to prevent serious health complications.”
The Governor also disclosed that Katsina State provided significant financial support to its pilgrims in 2024, including over ₦500 million for animal sacrifice (Hadya) and increasing the Basic Travel Allowance from $400 to $4,500.
On financial management, Governor Radda stressed the importance of protecting rural pilgrims from electronic payment fraud and called for continued federal government support in subsidizing exchange rates for Hajj payments. “I’ll be meeting with other Northwest governors to discuss this issue and collectively raise it with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to find a lasting solution,” the Governor assured NAHCON delegation.
Similarly, Governor Radda explained that the federal government intervention in subsidizing the exchange rate for Hajj payments has been beneficial, urging President Tinubu to continue such support.
The Governor also noted the role of religious leaders and media in pilgrim education, expressing confidence in improved operations for future Hajj seasons.
Earlier, NAHCON Chairman Professor Abdullahi Saleh Usman detailed the Commission’s efforts to reduce costs for the 2025 Hajj exercise. “Through discussions and engagements with service providers in Saudi Arabia, we have been able to save approximately ₦50 billion for our pilgrims, and we are still working on securing additional reductions,” Professor Usman stated.
The Chairman revealed that initial projections had put the 2025 Hajj fare at over ₦10 million. “However, due to our efforts, we have successfully reduced it to ₦8 million, and we are still negotiating further reductions. Insha’Allah, if we receive additional waivers, the fare will be further reduced,” he explained.
Professor Usman identified key challenges facing the Commission, particularly the Central Bank of Nigeria’s 2% charge on remittances. “Last year, the Federal Government provided a ₦90 billion subsidy, yet ₦1.7 billion was deducted as charges. Given that this year’s total remittance is projected to reach nearly ₦500 billion, the deduction could amount to over ₦20 billion,” he noted.
The Chairman also highlighted that aviation-related charges constitute approximately 65% of the total Hajj costs. He indicated that the Commission has already initiated requests for waivers or reductions in these charges, which could potentially lead to further decreases in the Hajj fare.
Professor Usman concluded by seeking Governor Radda’s support in engaging relevant authorities to secure these waivers, emphasizing the importance of making the pilgrimage more affordable for Nigerian Muslims.
On his part, NAHCON Commissioner for Operations, Inspectorate & Licensing, Prince Anofi Elegushi, provided detailed updates on operational preparations for the 2025 Hajj exercise. He emphasized that while significant progress has been made in reducing costs for offshore services in Saudi Arabia, domestic charges remain a challenge.
“The major concern now is securing waivers from relevant agencies, particularly in the aviation sector. If these agencies grant us a waiver, it will have a direct impact on airfare and will significantly reduce the overall cost for pilgrims,” Commissioner Elegushi stated.
The Commissioner announced that following a rigorous screening process, four airlines have been shortlisted for the 2025 Hajj operations: Flynas, Max Air, Air Peace, and OMSA. “A total of 11 airlines initially applied, but after rigorous screening, these four were deemed capable of delivering quality services,” he explained.
Addressing payment challenges, Commissioner Elegushi urged state governments to consider advancing funds on behalf of their pilgrims. “We appeal to state governments to frontload payments for their pilgrims, which will later be deducted during the reconciliation process. This will ensure that we meet the deadline without putting pressure on individual pilgrims,” he said.
The Commissioner concluded by emphasizing the critical need for enhanced public awareness regarding drug-related offenses, noting ongoing concerns about Nigerian pilgrims being apprehended with prohibited substances in Saudi Arabia, often unknowingly.