President Bola Tinubu, on Monday, ordered the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) to immediately reduce the 2026 Hajj Fares.
Vice President Kashim Shettima made the disclosure, following an earlier declaration by NAHCON that intending pilgrims from Maiduguri Zone (Yobe, Borno, Adamawa and Taraba states) will pay ₦8.1 million, while those from other northern and southern states will pay ₦8.2 million and ₦8.5 million, respectively.
Vice President Shettima stated in a statement that the downward review of the 2026 Hajj Fares became necessary following the “continued appreciation” of the naira against the dollar—a key factor in determining the cost of Hajj.
As contained in a statement by his Senior Special Assistant (Media and Communications), Stanley Nkwocha, Shettima, during a meeting with the Management and Board members at the State House, further directed NAHCON to submit a new fare proposal within two days.
He called for close coordination between national and state officials, including governors, to ensure uniformity in adopting a revised rate.
Shettima also called for quick payment and remittance of funds to the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to ensure a smooth and timely operation.
Speaking with newsmen after the meeting, Deputy Chief of Staff to the President, Ibrahim Hadeija, said the discussion focused on finalising arrangements for the 2026 Hajj, especially on reducing fares for intending pilgrims.
Hadeija explained that the government’s economic reforms had strengthened the naira, adding that the president expected the benefits of the improved exchange rate to reflect in the fares.
“Rates have continued to improve steadily, with the naira appreciating based on the effects of the economic reforms of the government.
“The vice-president felt that, if pilgrims paid ₦8.5 million to ₦8.6 million based on a weaker exchange rate last year, and the rate has now improved, then the changes should be reflected in the current fares, and the benefits should also be passed to the prospective pilgrims.
“So, the Commission and all officers of NAHCON have been told to immediately look at more realistic exchange rates. If we achieve what we envisage, then we will have a very significant reduction in the Hajj.”
Mustapha Mohammad, secretary of NAHCON, described the directive as a positive development that would encourage more Muslims to participate in the exercise.
“It is a welcome development, and the lower the Hajj fare, the better for the Muslim faithful intending to perform Hajj.
“So, as directed by the vice president, we will work tirelessly between today and tomorrow to reduce it to the barest minimum and make it affordable for every Muslim faithful to have the opportunity to perform this very important pillar of Islam.”
Faruk Yaro, chairman of the Kebbi State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board and deputy chairman of the Forum of Chief Executives of the 36 states and Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Pilgrims’ Boards, also commended the intervention by President Tinubu.
“We are very happy because the president and the vice-president have already intervened.
“We thank God for what they have said, which is expected to bring down the cost of hajj fare. So, we are happy.”
