As the uncertainties surrounding the issue of forex rates for Nigeria’s intending pilgrims to Hajj 2024 heats up, the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has invited Officials from the States Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Boards for a meeting.
A letter of Invitation dated March 22, 2024, sighted by HAJJ REPORTERS on Saturday, signed by the Assistant Director, States and Zones on behalf of the NAHCON Chairman said in part “I am directed to invite you to a crucial meeting on 2024 hajj preparations. The meeting is scheduled to take place on Tuesday by 2pm at the Conference Hall, Hajj House in Abuja”.
A highly placed source informed Hajj Reporters that NAHCON is currently weighing very difficult options as regards to 2024 hajj fare for the state Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Boards pilgrims. According to the source, NAHCON will make final decisions on whether to announce a further increase of hajj fare to bridge the gap in forex or whether the government has finally fulfilled its promise”
According to him “the initial hajj fare announced by NAHCON was based on a promise by the Government to allow NAHCON access dollar at a reduced rate as opposed to official market prices which in itself keeps fluctuating virtually every day’.
The sources also said “The number of registered pilgrims from the states was never a criterion for allowing NAHCON access forex exchange rates. Though I can’t categorically tell you how the situation will play out NAHCON will take the final stand on 2024 Hajj fare after the meeting on Tuesday.”
