President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has ordered an immediate review of the 2026 Hajj fares, directing the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) to present new rates within two days.
Vice President Kashim Shettima conveyed the President’s directive on Monday during a meeting with the management and board members of NAHCON at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
He called for stronger collaboration between national and state officials, including state governors, to harmonise and adopt affordable fares for the pilgrimage. Shettima also urged all stakeholders to act swiftly to ensure timely payments and remittances to the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) for a smooth Hajj operation.
Speaking with journalists after the meeting, the Deputy Chief of Staff to the President, Senator Ibrahim Hadejia, said the session was convened to finalise preparations for the 2026 Hajj, particularly the determination of new fares.
According to Hadejia, the aim of the review is to make the pilgrimage more affordable for Nigerian Muslims amid economic reforms that have strengthened the naira.
“The Vice President noted that last year, pilgrims paid between ₦8.5 million and ₦8.6 million due to a weak exchange rate. With the naira now appreciating, the new rates should reflect this improvement so that the benefits can be passed on to the pilgrims,” he explained.
He added that NAHCON officials have been directed to immediately review the exchange rates and adjust the fares accordingly, expressing optimism that the new rates would lead to a significant reduction in costs.
The Secretary of NAHCON, Dr Mustapha Mohammad, welcomed the President’s directive, describing it as a step that would encourage more Muslims to participate in the 2026 Hajj.
“The lower the fare, the better for the faithful. We will work tirelessly within the next two days to reduce the cost to the barest minimum, making it affordable for every Muslim who wishes to perform this important pillar of Islam,” he said.
Also speaking, the Chairman of the Kebbi State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board and Deputy Chairman of the Forum of Chief Executives of 36 States and FCT Pilgrims Boards, Alhaji Faruk Aliyu Yaro, commended the intervention by the President and Vice President.
“We are very happy with this development. The President’s directive will help bring down the cost of Hajj fares, and for that, we are deeply grateful,” he said.