Independent Hajj Reporters (IHR) has expressed worry over the apparent slow pace with which Nigerian authorities are moving as regards preparations for hajj 2024.
The Civil Society Organisation (CSO) says the Saudi Arabian Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has made it clear to all hajj participating countries even before hajj 2023 was rounded up that preparations for hajj 2024 have begun.
The ministry also informed most countries of their hajj quota and the new policies in place for next year’s hajj.
Specifically, the ministry said all hajj formalities are to be concluded at least 45 days before hajj 2024 because the visa issuance portal would be closed by that date.
This, according to IHR in a statement Monday signed by its national coordinator, Ibrahim Mohammed, means that Nigeria has about 4 months from now to conclude making all necessary arrangements such as collection and deposit of pilgrim’s fares, signing of MOU and engagement with service providers both at home and in Saudi Arabia.
“While we acknowledge the recent advice by the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria for pilgrims to save N4.5 million as a deposit, we believe that is not enough.
“Currently, states have less than 120 days to register 2024 intending pilgrims and we are aware of the uncertainties around how much will be the equivalent of dollar components in the hajj rate template.
“In addition, we expect that all states should have announced the commencement of registration of intending pilgrims while NAHCON on its part moves with lightning speed to negotiate how to get the foreign exchange component benchmark of the forthcoming pilgrimage. Anything short of that is simply risking Nigerians’ participation in Hajj 2024,” IHR said.