Independent Hajj Reporters, civil society organizations that monitor and report hajj activities has called on State Muslims Pilgrims Welfare Boards and Agencies to embark on adequate enlightenment of intending pilgrims on the cost of 2018 hajj.
The 2018 fare as announced so far indicates a significant decrease from that of 2017.
IHR in a statement signed Monday by it’s national coordinator, Ibrahim Mohammed recalled that Hajj 2017 fare rose from N998, 000 in 2016 to N1.5 million due to a corresponding increase in exchange rate from N190/$1 In 2016 to N360/$1 In 2017.
Despite the reduction in the fare, IHR said “many intending pilgrims thought that the 2018 hajj fare may also record the same difference as that of 2016 and 2017 hence, the low turn out recorded in number of registered pilgrims this year”.
The civil society also said “due to the commendable efforts of the Federal Government through NAHCON and States pilgrims board, 2018 hajj fare is less than N1.5 million despite the fact that exchange rate remains the same in comparison to 2017”.
“We therefore urge NAHCON and States pilgrims board to use this opportunity to reconfigure the mindset of intending pilgrims by conducting enlightenment on the hajj fare and the need for those who are interested in this years’ hajj to hasten payment,” IHR said.
