According to the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), at least 30 individuals from Nigeria lost their lives during the recently concluded 2024 Hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia.
Naija News reports that this statistics was confirmed on Monday by the NAHCON Chairman, Mallam Jalal Arabi.
During a press briefing held in Abuja on Monday, Arabi revealed that the majority of these fatalities were attributed to the severe heatwave experienced during the 2024 Hajj exercise.
He said, “It is very true that the 2024 hajj experienced one of the harshest weathers that had ever been experienced in the past. But the good thing about we were informed well in advance.
“It was included in the sensitisation we did, and we provided the necessary tools to ensure they were safeguarded. We provided safety kits from umbrellas to newly innovated fans and other things that could keep them safe.
“But if anybody’s time is up, it is up; you can’t stop it. We tried the best we could to avert deliberate exposure to the weather. Of course, we lost pilgrims but not all died from the heat wave.
“From the 30 we lost, probably about four or five could be said to have died from the heat wave. We pray Allah to accept their souls.’’
The NAHCON boss further elucidated the rationale behind President Bola Tinubu’s endorsement of a ₦90 billion subsidy for the pilgrimage event, following the significant increase in Hajj fares, which resulted in pilgrims being required to pay as much as ₦8 million, in addition to other concerns related to private tour operators.
He said, “Recall that by the final deadline of 12th February 2024, the unforeseen spike in foreign exchange rates had totally complicated matters, necessitating fresh adjustment of the year’s hajj fare from the initially announced ₦4.9 million.
“The financial projection after the foreign exchange liberalization was that each pilgrim would have to top up about ₦3.6 million in addition to the initial payment. The situation impelled urgent intervention.
“Recognising the gravity of the situation, NAHCON promptly engaged with the Federal Government to mitigate the effects of the high cost of the foreign currency with an appeal for the government to approve a concessionary rate of ₦850 as exchange rate for the dollar component of the hajj fare.
“Other reputable stakeholders in the project further amplified that appeal. We are grateful to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his swift approval of ₦90 billion instead.’’
Arabi said NAHCON devised a distribution strategy which played a crucial role in ensuring that all the stakeholders involved in the 2024 hajj benefited from the government’s support.
“Each pilgrim was supported with ₦1,637,369.87 from the N90bn except for pilgrims under the Hajj Savings Scheme who enjoyed more.
“Hence, all registered intending pilgrims, except those on HSS, were required to pay a balance of ₦1,918,094.87 since the ₦90 billion was not sufficient to make up for the balance.
“However, new registrants were asked to pay ₦8,454,464.74, being exempted from the Federal Government’s intervention. It is on record that eligible officials and stakeholders from all tiers of government enjoyed the subsidy from the ₦90 billion,” he stated.
The chairman stressed that the hajj subsidy was transparently utilised and further gave assurances of improving the processes to ensure equitable access to facilities and services for all future pilgrims.
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