Hajj 2025: Wamakko Urged to Step In for Affordable Hajj Fares and Better Pilgrim Support

By Achimi Muktar

SOKOTO: As preparations for the 2025 Hajj exercise heat up, the National Hajj Commission is turning to influential figures for support, with Senator Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko being asked to step in and ensure the success of the monumental pilgrimage.

Led by Chairman Professor Abdullahi Saleh Usman, a delegation of top officials visited Senator Wamakko’s Gawon Nama residence in Sokoto over the weekend, as part of the Commission’s nationwide tour to foster collaboration and address key challenges ahead of next year’s Hajj.

During the visit, Usman explained the Commission’s objectives and highlighted Wamakko’s vital role in helping the Commission achieve its mandate. He praised the senator for his ongoing contributions to national development and emphasized the importance of his intervention, particularly in reducing soaring Hajj fares that are increasingly burdensome to Nigerian pilgrims.

"We’ve visited several states like Borno, Lagos, and Kebbi," Usman remarked, "but today, we are here in Sokoto because of your instrumental role in supporting the affairs of the Commission." He further appealed to the senator to assist in finding solutions to the rising costs of airfares due to the fluctuating foreign exchange rates.

For the 2025 Hajj, Nigeria has been allocated 95,000 seats, but challenges surrounding the timely acquisition of these slots remain due to delayed payments of fares. Usman stressed that state governors must increase efforts to sensitize potential pilgrims, urging Hajj agencies to encourage early payments to meet Saudi Arabia’s deadlines and ensure a smooth pilgrimage experience.

One of the major issues raised was the inflated cost of Hajj fares. While some airline operators have agreed to lower prices, many others have remained unresponsive. Usman called for Wamakko’s intervention in securing better deals and suggested that Hajj registration fees be paid in Nigerian currency to alleviate the burden of foreign exchange costs.

To further ease the process, Usman proposed the implementation of a Hajj Saving Scheme (HSS), allowing intending pilgrims to save in installments through Islamic banks over several years.

Senator Wamakko responded with his support, acknowledging the financial challenges facing Nigerian pilgrims. He expressed concerns about the $400 travel allowance allocated to each pilgrim, calling it "insufficient" and promising to work with relevant stakeholders to ensure better provisions.

"I will engage with the authorities to review this amount and find ways to reduce the costs," Wamakko assured.

The senator also stressed the importance of providing better support to pilgrims during their stay in the Holy Land and advised the Commission to remain patient as they work through the challenges.

With the backing of influential figures like Wamakko, the National Hajj Commission hopes to address these critical issues and ensure a more affordable and successful Hajj experience for Nigerians in 2025.