The Lagos State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board has demanded intending pilgrims for the 2025 Hajj exercise to make an initial deposit of N8.5m.
The huge deposit is in view of the current rise in exchange rates which has resulted in high cost of living.
According to the Board Secretary, Saheed Onipede.in a statement, while the cost of obtaining the Hajj form is N20,000, intending pilgrims are to deposit N8.5million pending the official announcement of the actual fare by the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON).
“In consideration of the present economic situation of the country, the board has decided to make the payment flexible for intending pilgrims to pay the money in installment in order for them to actualise their dream of performing the spiritual obligation in a seamless manner,” the statement stated.
Onipede however gave assurance that the board would make a refund should the fare announced by NAHCON is less than the initial deposit.
He urged those interested in visiting the holy land and physically and financially able to do so to raise a bank draft from any of the commercial banks in favour of ‘Lagos State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board’ and submit it to the accounts department for collection of official receipts.