30 Nigerians Dead In 2024 Hajj: What Went Wrong And How To Prevent Future Tragedies

During a press briefing in Abuja, Arabi revealed that most of these fatalities were due to the severe heatwave experienced during the 2024 Hajj. He stated, “The 2024 Hajj faced some of the harshest weather conditions ever experienced. However, we were informed well in advance, and included this information in our sensitization efforts. We provided safety kits, including umbrellas and newly innovated fans, to safeguard the pilgrims. Despite our best efforts, some lives were lost, but not all were due to the heatwave. Out of the 30 fatalities, about four or five could be attributed to the heatwave. We pray Allah to accept their souls.”

Arabi also discussed President Bola Tinubu’s approval of a ₦90 billion subsidy for the pilgrimage, which was necessary due to a significant increase in Hajj fares. Pilgrims had to pay up to ₦8 million, a steep rise from the initial ₦4.9 million, due to an unforeseen spike in foreign exchange rates. This situation necessitated a fresh adjustment of the Hajj fare, prompting urgent intervention.

Recognizing the severity of the issue, NAHCON engaged with the Federal Government to mitigate the high cost of foreign currency, appealing for a concessionary rate of ₦850 as the exchange rate for the dollar component of the Hajj fare. President Tinubu swiftly approved the ₦90 billion subsidy.

Arabi explained that NAHCON devised a distribution strategy to ensure that all stakeholders involved in the 2024 Hajj benefited from the government’s support. Each pilgrim received ₦1,637,369.87 from the ₦90 billion subsidy, except those under the Hajj Savings Scheme who received more. Registered pilgrims, except those on HSS, had to pay a balance of ₦1,918,094.87, as the subsidy was insufficient to cover the entire balance. New registrants were asked to pay ₦8,454,464.74, being exempted from the Federal Government’s intervention. Eligible officials and stakeholders from all tiers of government also benefited from the subsidy.

The chairman emphasized that the Hajj subsidy was transparently utilized and assured improvements in the processes to ensure equitable access to facilities and services for all future pilgrims.