The Chairman of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria, Mallam Jalal Arabi, revealed on Monday that over 30 Nigerians lost their lives during the recently concluded Hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia.
Arabi, speaking at a post-Hajj press conference in Abuja, stated that about four individuals died due to the extreme heat experienced during the Hajj event.
He mentioned, “The 2024 Hajj encountered some of the most severe weather conditions in recent times. However, we were well-informed in advance.
“We conducted awareness campaigns and provided necessary resources to ensure the safety of our pilgrims. We equipped them with safety kits including umbrellas, newly designed fans, and other protective items.”
“However, one cannot escape their destiny. Despite our best efforts to shield them from harsh weather, we unfortunately lost some pilgrims, although not all deaths were heat-related.
“Out of the 30 fatalities, around four or five can be attributed to the heat wave. We pray for their departed souls.’’
Arabi also elaborated on the circumstances leading to President Bola Tinubu’s approval of a N90bn subsidy for the pilgrimage, in response to the hike in Hajj fares and issues with private tour operators.
He explained, “By the final deadline of February 12, 2024, the sudden increase in foreign exchange rates had complicated matters, necessitating a revision of the Hajj fare from the initial N4.9m.
“The revised financial projection required each pilgrim to pay an additional N3.6m due to the exchange rate fluctuations. This prompted urgent intervention.
“In light of the situation, NAHCON engaged with the Federal Government to address the high foreign currency costs, requesting a concessionary exchange rate of N850 per dollar for the Hajj fare component.
“This plea was supported by various stakeholders, and we are thankful to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for promptly approving the N90bn subsidy.’’
NAHCON devised a distribution plan that ensured all stakeholders in the 2024 Hajj benefitted from the government’s support, as per Arabi.
“Each pilgrim received N1,637,369.87 from the N90bn subsidy, except for those under the Hajj Savings Scheme who received more.
“Therefore, all registered pilgrims, excluding HSS participants, were required to pay a balance of N1,918,094.87 since the subsidy was insufficient to cover the total cost.
“New registrants had to pay N8,454,464.74, exempted from the Federal Government’s intervention. Notably, eligible officials and stakeholders across all government levels benefited from the subsidy,” he added.
Arabi assured that the Hajj subsidy was transparently utilized and pledged to enhance processes for the benefit of future pilgrims.
This clarification from Arabi follows the commencement of a National Assembly inquiry into the N90bn Hajj subsidy.
Federal lawmakers criticized the handling of the 2024 Hajj, echoing similar concerns raised by Governor Mohammed Bago of Niger State regarding alleged poor welfare conditions despite the substantial subsidy.