Governor Radda calls for reform in Hajj operation
Katsina State Governor, Malan Dikko Umaru Radda has called for reform to improve the operations of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON).
The Governor made the call when the Chairman of NAHCON, Professor Abdullahi Saleh Usman paid him a courtesy visit at the Katsina Governor’s Lodge in Abuja.
Governor Radda reflected on the 2024 Hajj operations and outlined several challenges, including the impact of currency depreciation on the cost of the pilgrimage.
“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 cost.
“I question why our pilgrims are required to spend up to 40 days in Saudi Arabia for the Hajj, while those on international Hajj programmes complete their pilgrimage in just 5 to 7 days.”
He also noted that the state government had to supplement NAHCON’s medical supplies last year.
The governor advised NAHCON on preventive healthcare, including medication for malaria to all pilgrims before departure.
“I strongly recommend that malaria medication be given to pilgrims before departure to prevent serious health complications.”
Radda said that the state provided significant financial support to its pilgrims in 2024, including over ₦500 million for Hadya and raising Basic Travel Allowance from 400 to 500 dollars.
He also challenged NAHCON to be innovative and safeguard pilgrims from rural areas from exploitation by fraudulent individuals.
The governor said the federal government should subsidise the exchange rate for Hajj to reduce cost on intending pilgrims.
“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 the NAHCON delegation.
Earlier, the NAHCON Chairman explained the efforts made by the commission 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 for further reductions. Insha’Allah, if we receive additional waivers, the fare will be further reduced,” he added.
Professor Usman identified some key challenges facing the Commission, including the 2% charged by the Central Bank of Nigeria 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 said that aviation-related charges constitute approximately 65% of the total Hajj cost.
He indicated that the Commission has already initiated requests for waivers or reductions on the charges, which could potentially lead to further decreases in the Hajj fare.
Professor Usman sought for Governor Radda’s support in engaging relevant authorities to secure these waivers, so as to make the pilgrimage more affordable.
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,” Elegushi stated.
He said four airlines – Flynas, Max Air, Air Peace, and UMZA – will transport Nigerian pilgrims to Saudi Arabia for the Hajj.
Elegushi urged state governments to consider advancing funds on behalf of their pilgrims in view of payment challenges.
“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.
