• As CSO seeks refund for intending pilgrims over forex change
• No group has authority to dictate to Hajj Commission: Hajj Media Support Team
The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has reacted to the call for refunds for 26,287 confirmed intending pilgrims for Hajj 2025 over a change in the exchange rate, saying that refunds, if applicable, are traditionally processed after hajj operations.
The Commission noted that the practice ensures proper financial reconciliation, prevents disruptions in service delivery, and guarantees that all necessary expenses for the pilgrimage are fully covered before making any financial adjustments.
These statements were made by Shafi’i Sani Mohammed of the Information and Publications Division, NAHCON, in reaction to a publication by the Independent Hajj Reporters (IHR).
IHR had called on the management of NAHCON refund the 26,287 confirmed intending pilgrims for Hajj 2025 over a change in the exchange rate.
“An analysis of the 2025 hajj fare templates indicates that the commission had fixed N1600 to a dollar and the dollar component within the templates shows that intending pilgrims from the north paid $4,704.18 while their southern counterparts paid $4,908.18,” IHR’s statement signed by its National Coordinator Ibrahim Muhammed read.
“Further analysis indicated that the cost of exchange of naira to a dollar on 13th February was N1,507 which gives a difference of N93 to each dollar,” it added.
IHR said based on its calculations, each of the 26,287 pilgrims who paid ahead of the deadline should be refunded an average of N437,000 each.
“We call on NAHCON not to wait until after the forthcoming hajj to refund the differentials since the money is already in its coffers and it will go a long way in helping the pilgrims raise additional money for their upkeep while in the holy land,” IHR stated.
NAHCON expresses displeasure over premature demands
Reacting to IHR’s statement, NAHCON acknowledged the crucial role the civil society organisation (CSO) plays in informing the public.
The Commission, however, expressed displeasure over their ‘premature demands’, which it said could create unnecessary anxiety among intending pilgrims.
“We urge them, along with other stakeholders to prioritize supporting the Commission in delivering a smooth and successful pilgrimage rather than making premature demands that could mislead the public or create unnecessary anxiety among intending pilgrims,” NAHCON’s official Shafi’i said.
“It is also important to note that hajj planning involves multiple financial commitments, including airfare, accommodation, feeding, and local transportation, all of which are subject to international market fluctuations. These factors must be carefully managed to avoid unintended financial setbacks that could compromise the experience and welfare of Nigerian pilgrims.
Shafi’i said NAHCON remains committed to transparency, accountability, and prudent management of Hajj funds.
“Any legitimate financial adjustments will be addressed after the hajj exercise when all expenditures have been accounted for. Pilgrims and stakeholders can rest assured that the Commission will act in their best interest,” he said.
“Our collective priority should be the welfare of the pilgrims and the overall success of Hajj 2025. NAHCON remains open to constructive engagement and welcomes genuine collaboration toward achieving this goal.”
No group has authority to dictate to Hajj Commission: NHMST
Meanwhile, another group, the Nigerian Hajj Media Support Team (NHMST), said that no individual or group has the authority to dictate to NAHCON on how it should discharge its responsibilities.
The Media Support Team said the current leadership of NAHCON remains committed to transparency, accountability, and service delivery.
“The Commission has consistently engaged stakeholders and will continue to do so in ensuring that pilgrims receive the best possible service,” NHMST’s statement obtained by Muslim News read.
The group said exchange rate fluctuations post-approval do not automatically translate into immediate refunds, adding that financial transactions for services are progressively executed.
NHMST said NAHCON Chairman, Prof. Abdullahi Saleh Usman, had assured pilgrims of refund if a reduction in forex rates is secured.
“The Commission remains committed to this promise as assured by its Chief Executive Officer, and any surplus arising from forex differentials after all payments are completed will be handled transparently in accordance with regulatory guidelines,” the group added.
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