Global Hajj Issues' Crises Perspectives



On the determination of the ideal number of pilgrims from Nigeria annually for the Hajj pilgrimage involves considering several factors, including the country's Muslim population, available resources, and Saudi Arabia's allocated quotas.

Allocated Quota:
Nigeria's allocated quota for the Hajj pilgrimage is 95,000 pilgrims. This number is determined by the Saudi government based on the country's Muslim population and other factors.[¹](https://worldpopulationreview.com/country-rankings/hajj-quota-by-country) [²](https://www.zawya.com/en/world/africa/all-95-000-nigerias-pilgrims-performed-hajj-in-2023-first-time-in-10-years-nahcon-boss-idi1tcw8)

Recent Participation Numbers:
In 2023, Nigeria successfully filled its allocated quota of 95,000 pilgrims for the first time in nearly a decade. In 2024, the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) registered 51,447 pilgrims, with 50,865 actually participating in the Hajj.[³](https://nahcon.gov.ng/2024/04/06/nahcon-51447-pilgrims-paid-for-2024-hajj/)

Muslim Population:
Nigeria has a significant Muslim population, with estimates suggesting that around 50% of the country's population practices Islam. Given this large Muslim population, the demand for Hajj pilgrimage slots is high.

Ideal Number:
While there isn't a specific "ideal" number defined, the allocated quota of 95,000 serves as a cap. The actual number of pilgrims may vary annually based on factors like registration numbers, available resources, and logistical considerations.

To summarize:
- Allocated Quota: 95,000 pilgrims
- 2023 Participation: 95,000 pilgrims (full quota filled)
- 2024 Participation: 50,865 pilgrims (out of 51,447 registered)

To calculate the per capita income and high cost of Hajj pilgrimage in Nigeria, we'll need to consider the following:

Per Capita Income
- Nigeria's GDP per capita (nominal) is approximately ₦2,500,000 - ₦3,000,000 (around $3,200-$3,900 USD) per year, according to recent estimates.
- Monthly per capita income would be around ₦208,000 - ₦250,000 ($270-$320 USD).

Minimum Wage
- Nigeria's minimum wage is ₦70,000 per month (around $90 USD).

Cost of Hajj Pilgrimage
- The cost of Hajj pilgrimage in Nigeria can range from ₦5 million to ₦10 million (around $6,400-$12,800 USD) or more per person, depending on the package and services offered.

 Calculation
- Assuming a 5-year savings period, a pilgrim would need to save around ₦83,000 to ₦167,000 ($110-$220 USD) per month, which is roughly 33% to 67% of the monthly minimum wage (₦70,000).
- For someone earning the average per capita income, the monthly savings would be around 40% to 80% of their monthly income (₦208,000 - ₦250,000).

High Cost of Hajj Pilgrimage
- The high cost of Hajj pilgrimage in Nigeria is attributed to various factors, including:
1. Airfare and transportation costs
2. Accommodation and food expenses in Saudi Arabia
3. Visa fees and other documentation costs
4. Service charges and commissions
5. Currency exchange rates and inflation

The cost of Hajj pilgrimage is a significant burden for many Nigerians, especially considering the country's economic challenges and low per capita income.

Hajj and Umrah Cost Analysis: A Continental Comparison
Introduction
The costs associated with performing Hajj and Umrah pilgrimages vary significantly depending on the continent and country of origin. Here's a breakdown of estimated costs for pilgrims from different regions:

Continental Cost Estimates
1. Asia:
- Hajj: $5,000-$10,000 (Pakistan: $5,500-$8,000; India: $6,000-$10,000)
- Umrah: $1,500-$3,500 (Pakistan: $1,800-$2,500; India: $2,000-$3,000)
2. Africa:
- Hajj: $6,000-$12,000 (Nigeria: $6,500-$10,000; Egypt: $7,000-$12,000)
- Umrah: $2,000-$4,000 (Nigeria: $2,200-$3,500; Egypt: $2,500-$4,000)
3. Europe:
- Hajj: $8,000-$15,000 (UK: $9,000-$14,000; Turkey: $7,000-$12,000)
- Umrah: $2,500-$5,000 (UK: $3,000-$4,500; Turkey: $2,000-$3,500)
4. North America:
- Hajj: $10,000-$18,000 (USA: $12,000-$18,000; Canada: $10,000-$16,000)
- Umrah: $3,000-$6,000 (USA: $3,500-$5,500; Canada: $3,000-$5,000)
5. *South America:*
- Hajj: $12,000-$20,000 (Brazil: $13,000-$19,000)
- Umrah: $3,500-$6,500 (Brazil: $4,000-$6,000)
6. *Australia and Oceania:*
- Hajj: $15,000-$25,000 (Australia: $16,000-$24,000)
- Umrah: $4,000-$7,000 (Australia: $4,500-$6,500)

Saudi Arabia (Internal Pilgrims)
- Hajj: SAR 10,000-SAR 20,000 (≈ $2,667-$5,333 USD)
- Umrah: SAR 2,000-SAR 5,000 (≈ $533-$1,333 USD)

Factors Influencing Costs
- Airfare and transportation
- Accommodation and food
- Visa fees and documentation
- Service charges and commissions
- Currency exchange rates and inflation

These estimates vary depending on individual circumstances, travel agencies, and package deals.

Sources: NAHCON, Media Reports.


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