Independent Hajj Reporters (IHR), a prominent civil society organisation, has intensified calls for the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to abolish the controversial 2% service charge imposed on Hajj payments. The group argues that this fee significantly contributes to the soaring cost of pilgrimage for Nigerian Muslims, making the sacred journey less affordable for many. With the annual cost of Hajj already straining pilgrims' finances, the additional charge is seen as an unnecessary burden that should be removed in the interest of fairness and religious accessibility.

According to IHR, the 2% charge—equivalent to about $90 or ₦144,000 per pilgrim based on the ₦1,600 foreign exchange rate used by the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON)—has become a major cost component of the pilgrimage. With Saudi Arabia granting Nigeria 95,000 Hajj slots each year, the CBN stands to make roughly $8.55 million (₦13.68 billion) annually from this levy alone. This significant revenue, critics say, is earned simply for transferring funds to NAHCON's account in Saudi Arabia, a task that should not warrant such high fees.

In a statement signed by IHR National Coordinator, Ibrahim Mohammed, the group emphasized that the public outcry over the high cost of Hajj underscores the urgent need for the CBN to act. "While we do not argue that the charges are illegal, we believe they can be waived as a gesture to ease the financial burden on pilgrims," the statement noted. IHR stressed that the removal of the fee would be a significant contribution to making Hajj more affordable for Nigerian Muslims.

The group also highlighted that Nigerian pilgrims already face multiple service charges from various government agencies, further inflating the overall Hajj fare. These additional costs have made it increasingly difficult for ordinary Muslims to fulfill one of the fundamental pillars of Islam. Eliminating the CBN's service fee, they argue, would reduce the total cost and encourage greater participation in the pilgrimage.

Furthermore, IHR pointed out that NAHCON has been independently funding its operations since 2019, relying on internally generated revenue rather than government allocations. This self-sufficiency, they said, should be supported by other government institutions, including the CBN, to ensure efficient and seamless Hajj operations. A collaborative approach would help streamline the entire process and improve services for Nigerian pilgrims.

The appeal by IHR adds to the growing chorus of voices from stakeholders across the Hajj sector calling for the removal of the 2% charge. Many believe that abolishing this fee would demonstrate the government's commitment to supporting religious obligations and reducing financial pressure on citizens. As preparations for Hajj 2026 intensify, all eyes are now on the CBN to respond to the mounting pressure and reconsider its stance on the controversial levy.

Source:

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