The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has announced that there will be no government subsidy for the 2025 Hajj pilgrimage. This means that pilgrims will be responsible for the full cost of the pilgrimage, which is expected to be significantly higher than in previous years.
NAHCON Commissioner for Operations, Anofi Elegushi, confirmed the news during a virtual meeting with Private Tour Operators on Monday. He stated that the decision was made due to the current economic situation and the need to reduce the government’s financial burden.
The announcement has sparked concerns among potential pilgrims, who may face difficulties in affording the increased cost. While the exact Hajj fare for 2025 has not yet been determined, estimates suggest that it could be as high as N10 million per person.
Despite the challenges, NAHCON remains committed to providing a successful Hajj experience for Nigerian pilgrims. The commission is working closely with the Saudi authorities to ensure that all necessary arrangements are in place for the upcoming pilgrimage.
—Ezinwanne Onwuka reports for TruthNigeria from Abuja.