Hajj fare rises to N4.9m amid lingering forex crisis – Newstrends
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Hajj fare rises to N4.9m amid lingering forex crisis

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Hajj fare rises to N4.9m amid lingering forex crisis

Muslims intending to perform this year’s pilgrimage will have to pay more than they planned to as the foreign exchange crisis engenders a spike in fare for the annual religious rite.

This is as the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) jacks up the price for the 2024 intending Muslim pilgrims from the initial N4.5 million to N4.9 million.

The commission cited volatility in the exchange rate of the Nigerian currency, the Naira, for the development.

This sudden development, coming barely three days after the January 31, 2024 dateline initially set by the national Muslim pilgrims’ agency has general mixed feelings in the Muslim community across the country.

This has equally raised concern among intending pilgrims, majority of whom have yet to fully pay the N4.5 million earlier announced as the fare.

The naira further depreciated to a record low on Tuesday selling for 1,413 against dollar at the official foreign exchange window.

The new hajj fare, which is about N1.6 million higher than that of last year, had earlier been pegged at N4.5 million.

The NAHCON, in a statement yesterday by its spokesperson, Fatima Sanda Usara, said intending pilgrims for the 2024 hajj from southern states were required to pay N4,899,000; those from northern states, N4,699,000 and those from Yola and Maiduguri, N4,679,000.

The commission said if it had not taken a drastic decision to consolidate the gains achieved in lowering the cost of services for hajj, the 2024 pilgrimage might have cost about N6 million.

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The commission gave intending pilgrims till February 12 to make final payments, to enable it transfer the money to the service providers before the February 25 deadline set by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

The statement by the commission said: “It would be recalled that the chairman of National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Malam Jalal Ahmad Arabi, had initially aimed to maintain the 2024 Hajj fare at N4.5 million that was charged as initial deposit.

“The prospects had remained high until the well-known Naira crash that occurred mid-week. Regrettably, the recent instability in the Dollar exchange rate compelled a necessary adjustment despite commendable efforts by NAHCON Chairman, Jalal Ahmad Arabi to maintain cost of the year’s Hajj at the said rate.

“Chairman Arabi had actively negotiated substantial discounts with service providers in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in late January, striving to alleviate costs for intending pilgrims.

“However, the volatile currency situation within the week necessitated the commission to take a drastic decision to consolidate the gains achieved in lowering the cost of services for the Hajj, without which the price of 2024 Muslim pilgrimage might have shot to about N6,000,000 (six million Naira).

“Consequently, intending pilgrims from Nigeria’s Southern centre are required to pay N4,899,000 as Hajj fare; those from the Northern centre will pay N4,699,000, for the Hajj and pilgrims from Yola and Maiduguri centre will pay a fee of N4,679,000 for the 2024 Hajj.

“While expressing his regret, Chairman Arabi stated that this is the will of Allah, because the Commission, facing a tight deadline of 25th February, has limited time to explore further options to remain within the range of N4.5 million which he assiduously worked for. Consequently, NAHCON announces the feasible cost of Hajj to meet the impending remittance deadline.

“Intending pilgrims are therefore advised to balance their Hajj fare by Monday, 12th of February accordingly, to enable the commission transfer the funds before the imminent deadline.

“NAHCON assures the public of its commitment to ensuring a smooth and successful Hajj pilgrimage for all participants despite the challenges posed by foreign exchange factors. The Commission appreciates the understanding and cooperation of the Nigerian Muslim community during these times”, Ms Usara, who is Assistant Director, Public Affairs in the Commission said in the statement.

Hajj fare rises to N4.9m amid lingering forex crisis

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UK lawmaker lauds EFCC, says Africa underestimates its strength

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UK lawmaker lauds EFCC, says Africa underestimates its strength

In a significant boost to Nigeria’s anti-corruption efforts, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has received international recognition for its tireless work in tackling corruption.

Baroness Verma Sandy of Leicester, a member of the United Kingdom’s House of Lords, has commended the EFCC for its dedication to fighting corruption and promoting good governance in Nigeria.

During a visit to the EFCC headquarters in Abuja on Friday, Baroness Verma Sandy praised the Commission’s new leadership under Executive Chairman, Mr. Ola Olukoyede, for repositioning the organization on the path of professionalism and effectiveness.

She expressed confidence that the EFCC’s efforts would help change the global perception of Africa and build new confidence in the continent.

The Baroness, who led a six-man delegation of the UK-based African Leadership Organisation, acknowledged the EFCC’s efforts in shaping better narratives for Nigeria and praised the Commission’s innovative approaches to tackling corruption.

She emphasized the importance of international collaboration in the fight against corruption and encouraged the EFCC to continue its good work.

Sandy said: “We are so glad to be here. It is important having this organization led by somebody who has brought incredible positive changes to the country. And I want to thank all of your colleagues here for engaging with us today. I believe passionately on the strength of the African Continent. I am not connected at all to Africa, but I have been a champion for a continent that has under-estimated its own strength but has got so much to offer the world. And I think your organization will help change the perceptions and build new confidence. So, I am so pleased and honoured to be here.”

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EFCC Chairman, Mr. Olukoyede, thanked the Baroness and her delegation for identifying with the Commission and acknowledging its efforts.

He reiterated the EFCC’s commitment to tackling corruption and promoting good governance, emphasizing that corruption is a major obstacle to Africa’s development.

He highlighted the Commission’s new focus on prevention and addressing systemic issues that enable corruption, as well as its efforts to stimulate economic growth and prevent foreign exchange sharp practices.

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We’re impressed by Tinubu’s security strategies – UK Govt

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British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Dr. Richard Montgomery

We’re impressed by Tinubu’s security strategies – UK Govt

The British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Dr. Richard Montgomery, has said the United Kingdom is impressed by the security strategies President Tinubu has put in place, even as he restated the support of the United Kingdom for the Nigerian government in this direction, including transparency and accountability in governance.

In his goodwill message, during a High-level Dialogue on Delivering the Renewed Hope Agenda on the theme, “Nigeria’s Global Ambitions: From Hope to Reality,” in Abuja, Richard Montgomery commends Tinubu’s agenda for its focus on priorities and delivery.

“I’d like to use this opportunity to express the whole lot of support of my government to the Renewed Hope Agenda of His Excellency, the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Bola Tinubu. We commend his agenda for its focus on priorities and delivery. We acknowledge that you have done a lot to put in place transparency and accountability.”

Also, the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Doris Nkiruka Uzoka-Anite, while declaring the forum open, extended warm appreciation to participants, noting that their presence underscored the importance of the efforts towards advancing Nigeria’s economic agenda under President Tinubu.

She stated that the gathering, initiated by the Office of the Vice President, highlights the role of the international corporation in delivering the remarkable goals of the President’s laudable Renewed Hope Agenda.

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Also, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, commended the stakeholders’ efforts led by Vice President Shettima which led to the convening of the high-level forum to mark the first year anniversary of the Tinubu Administration.

He said the gathering was both to reflect on the last year and look ahead to the next three years, emphasizing the role of the International Corporation in achieving Mr President’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

On his part, the Minister of Budget and National Planning, Alhaji Atiku Bagudu, said the past year marking President Tinubu’s one year in office had been successful despite being challenging, assuring that the Tinubu-led government is an administration that will renew the hope of Nigerians.

Noting that the event highlighted the importance of international cooperation, Bagudu thanked VP Shettima for gracing the occasion, saying, “Not surprisingly, you chose to come in person to show importance, particularly to partners in the diplomatic and development world, that Nigeria appreciates them and that international cooperation is important to us and it is rooted in our constitution, is rooted in our development plans and is rooted in our Renewed hope agenda.

“Not surprisingly, Mr. President, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and Vice President Kashim Shetiima, over the last one year, have engaged globally and locally with institutions that represent development partnership, multilateral institutions, and bilateral institutions, consistent with our development agenda”.

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The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, represented by Senior Special Assistant to the President on International Cooperation, Mr. Dapo Oyewole, reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to long-lasting partnership with the global community.

“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s foreign policy will continue to accommodate the interests of all Nigerians and ensure mutual and beneficial partnerships with all nations,” Oyewole said.

Oyewole added that Nigeria will continue to work to unlock all hidden economic treasures in the country.

In his remarks, the Managing Director of the Bank of Industry, Dr. Olasupo Olusi, said the event marked a critical reflection point for all who have explored optimally to harness international corporations in achieving the noble goals of President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

Expressing delight with the theme of the dialogue, “Leveraging International Cooperation to Enhance Trade, Investment and Sustainable Development in Nigeria,” he said the Bank of Industry has witnessed firsthand the transformative power of strategic partnership in driving economic growth and fostering inclusive development under the Tinubu administration.

Also in attendance were Deputy Chief of Staff to the President (Office of the Vice President), Senator Ibrahim Hassan Hadejia; Minister of Women Affairs, Mrs Uju Kenedy Ohaneye; European Union Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Amb. Samuel Isopi; Special Adviser to the President on Policy Coordination and Head of Central Delivery Unit, Ms. Hadiza Bala Usman; Chief Executive Officer, Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission; and Acting Country Director of World Bank, Nigeria.

We’re impressed by Tinubu’s security strategies – UK Govt

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Don’t involve Bello’s children in corruption fight, rights group tells EFCC

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Yahaya Bello

Don’t involve Bello’s children in corruption fight, rights group tells EFCC

The Child’s Rights Advocacy Network (CHILDRANE) has asked the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission to leave out the children of former Kogi Governor, Yahaya Bello, from the probe of N80 billion money laundering charges it has levelled against him.

The child rights group carpeted the EFCC for “exposing Bello’s children minors to public scrutiny in the ongoing investigation.”

The spokesperson, CHILDRANE, Emmanuel Abah, during a press briefing on Friday in Abuja, denounced the breach of privacy and other safeguards of Bello’s children via repeated references to them in EFCC’s press conferences and statements.

Abah emphasised the need to protect children’s rights during legal processes.

He warned that “Nigerian child, our hope of any meaningful tomorrow as a nation, were now increasingly an endangered species.

”The EFCC had confirmed the receipt of the refund of $760,000 paid as advance school fees by Bello for his children at the American International School, Abuja.

The school had asked the EFCC to provide “authentic banking details” for the refund of fees paid for the children of the former governor.

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But Abah condemned the action of the school for publicly disclosing her refund of the school fees paid for the children by their family to the EFCC, especially as the action potentially violated the judgment in a case by the Bello family in which the school was a party, while summarily jeopardising the well-being of children to whom she owed a direct duty of care.

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