Massive Price Surge: FG Suspends Hajj Subsidy For 2025 – Pilgrims Face Unbelievable Costs

With the current exchange rate standing at ₦1,650 to a dollar, prospective pilgrims could pay as much as ₦10 million for Hajj, assuming the cost remains at $6,000. While NAHCON has not yet announced the official Hajj fare for 2025, some State Pilgrims Welfare Boards have already begun requesting an initial deposit of ₦8.5 million from intending pilgrims. In addition, NAHCON announced that pilgrims from the 2023 Hajj would be refunded 150 Saudi Riyal (approximately 64,682 naira).

These updates were shared during an interactive meeting between NAHCON and Private Tour Operators (PTOs) on October 7, 2024. NAHCON’s Commissioner of Operations, Prince Anofi Olanrewaju Elegushi, chaired the meeting, where several key decisions were discussed, including changes to Saudi Arabia’s Pilgrim Transport Operators (PTOs) requirements. The number of PTOs has been reduced from 20 to 10, and each company must register at least 2,000 pilgrims to qualify for Hajj visa approval. Additionally, NAHCON clarified details regarding the 2022 refunds and announced the option for operators to provide a bank guarantee in place of a ₦40 million caution deposit for the 2025 Hajj.