The Nigerian government has announced plans to stop using the United States dollar for Hajj-related transactions.
This decision, disclosed by the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), aims to tackle the rising costs of Hajj fares.
Professor Abdullahi Saleh Usman, NAHCON’s Chairman, made this revelation during a courtesy visit to the Emir of Argungu in Kebbi State.
Speaking at the Emir’s palace, Saleh noted that paying for essential Hajj services in dollars has contributed significantly to the high cost of the pilgrimage.
“The use of dollars for Hajj payments has created unnecessary financial barriers for many Nigerians,” he said.
Saleh further explained that airlines and service providers insist on dollar payments for Hajj, even though pilgrims pay for lesser pilgrimages like Umrah in Naira.
He lamented that this dual payment system burdens intending pilgrims and reduces Nigeria’s capacity to fill its allocated pilgrimage slots.
“Late payments of Hajj fares have left many slots unused, depriving thousands of the opportunity to fulfil this important religious obligation,” he added.
Saleh appealed to traditional and religious leaders to engage stakeholders and ensure that all Hajj-related payments can be made in Naira.
This change, he argued, would significantly lower Hajj costs for Nigerians, making the pilgrimage more accessible.
The proposal comes at a critical time when the government is withdrawing its Hajj subsidy.
The Bola Tinubu-led administration recently announced that it would stop subsidising Hajj payments from 2025.
This decision will end the concessionary exchange rate previously offered by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).
The subsidy allowed pilgrims to access dollars at a reduced rate, easing the financial burden of the pilgrimage.
Without the subsidy, Hajj fares are expected to skyrocket, potentially reaching as high as ₦10 million per pilgrim.
Many stakeholders have raised concerns over how this policy shift will affect ordinary Nigerians.
Saleh commended the government’s past support for subsidising Hajj but stressed that addressing the currency issue is crucial for future affordability.
He stated, “If this dollar dependency is removed, the cost of Hajj for 2025 will drop significantly.”
The Hajj pilgrimage, one of Islam’s five pillars, is a religious duty for Muslims who can afford it.
However, the rising costs have made it unattainable for many intending pilgrims.
Some Nigerians have expressed mixed feelings about the proposed changes.
Aliyu Musa, a trader from Kano, said, “This is a welcome idea. If NAHCON succeeds, more Nigerians can afford to go for Hajj.”
On the other hand, Aisha Abdullahi, a civil servant in Lagos, expressed scepticism.
“We’ve heard similar promises before. Let’s see if this will truly make Hajj cheaper,” she said.
Experts have also weighed in on the implications of abolishing dollar payments.
Economic analyst Dr Ibrahim Oladipo noted that while the move could reduce costs, it depends on the cooperation of international service providers.
“Airlines and hotels in Saudi Arabia operate on dollar-based contracts. Convincing them to accept payments in Naira will require significant diplomatic effort,” he explained.
Dr Oladipo added that the Nigerian government would need to work closely with Saudi authorities to implement this change effectively.
NAHCON’s Chairman also used the opportunity to highlight other challenges facing Hajj operations in Nigeria.
He revealed that late payment of fares remains a major issue, causing logistical problems and reducing efficiency.
“We need a system where payments are made early to avoid last-minute rushes,” Saleh stated.
The Emir of Argungu, Alhaji Samaila Muhammadu Mera, applauded NAHCON’s efforts to make Hajj more affordable.
He pledged his support and urged other traditional rulers to do the same.
“As custodians of our people’s welfare, we must ensure that Hajj remains accessible to all eligible Muslims,” the Emir said.
NAHCON has also launched awareness campaigns to educate pilgrims about the proposed changes.
These campaigns aim to address concerns and ensure a smooth transition ahead of the 2025 Hajj exercise.
