A concerted effort led by Senator Ahmad Abubakar MoAllahyidi under the platform of Arewa New Agenda (ANA) has launched a far-reaching advocacy aimed at enhancing access to 2024 Hajj by Nigerian Muslims.
The initiative highlights critical issues surrounding the cost and accessibility of the religious rite, advocating for measures to ease financial burdens faced by intending pilgrims.
ANA’s effort, according to the group’s leadership, was fully endorsed and supported by the leadership of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), from conception to implementation.
The ANA’s campaign was marked by strategic engagements across key regions—North West, North East, North Central, and FCT—bringing together religious leaders, stakeholders including State Pilgrims’ Welfare Boards, to address pressing concerns ahead of the looming December 31, 2023 payment deadline for Hajj 2024.
ANA’s advocacy addresses multifaceted challenges impacting the affordability of Hajj exercise, including accommodation near Haram, feeding schemes, royalties, airfares, and service charges, all contributing to the overall high cost to bored by intending pilgrims.
Stakeholders voiced concerns during the engagements, notably about fraudulent activities targeting intending pilgrims, delayed information dissemination, and inadequate awareness within rural communities regarding the new regulations and payment deadlines for the 2024 Hajj.
Regional observations revealed promising trends in some states meeting their Hajj quotas, while others faced challenges due to pending court decisions and delayed commitments. The need for deadline extensions and subsidies emerged as key recommendations to make Hajj more accessible.
The North Central region particularly highlighted a lack of comprehensive information and suggested intensive educational campaigns to bridge the awareness gap among intending pilgrims and rural communities.
Stakeholders advocated for intensified enlightenment drives, closer collaboration with financial institutions to alleviate payment hurdles, and a call for governments to subsidise Hajj fares, addressing concerns about fraud, improved management, and early saving schemes.
Encouragingly, government officials in various states, including Kano, Kebbi, FCT, Zamfara, Kwara, and Nasarawa, expressed confidence in their governments’ interventions to ensure a successful Hajj 2024, affirming their commitment to addressing affordability challenges.
Senator MoAllahyidi conveyed gratitude for the support extended by the NAHCON and various State Pilgrims’ Welfare Boards, acknowledging their collaborative efforts to advance the cause of making 2024 Hajj exercise more accessible for Nigerian Muslims.
