President Bola Tinubu has directed an immediate downward review of the 2026 Hajj fares to make the pilgrimage more affordable for intending pilgrims.
Vice President Kashim Shettima disclosed this During a meeting with the management and board members of NAHCON at the Presidential Villa,
Satima said the President has given the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) a two-day deadline to produce new, realistic fares that reflect the improving strength of the naira against the dollar, which largely determines Hajj costs.
The Vice President emphasized the need for close collaboration between the federal and state Hajj authorities, as well as governors, to ensure the timely implementation of the new fares. He also stressed the importance of early payments and prompt remittances to the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to guarantee a smooth and well-coordinated operation for the 2026 pilgrimage.
The meeting focused on finalizing arrangements for next year’s Hajj, particularly in reviewing the fare structure in light of the ongoing economic reforms that have led to the steady appreciation of the naira. The goal is to ensure that the benefits of these reforms are passed on to prospective pilgrims through reduced costs.
The directive is expected to significantly lower the amount payable by pilgrims compared to the previous year when the exchange rate was less favorable. NAHCON has been tasked with adopting a more realistic exchange rate in its new computation, which could lead to a substantial reduction in the overall fare.
According to the Commission, the move by the President will likely encourage more Muslims to participate in the 2026 pilgrimage, as affordability has been a major factor affecting turnout in recent years. NAHCON has pledged to work swiftly within the given timeframe to produce a revised fare structure that aligns with current economic realities.
State pilgrims’ boards have also welcomed the initiative, describing it as a timely intervention that will ease the financial burden on intending pilgrims and promote inclusivity in the performance of one of the key pillars of Islam.
The review marks another step in the Tinubu administration’s ongoing effort to ensure that economic reforms deliver tangible benefits to Nigerians across all sectors, including religious obligations.
by Bello Wakili.
President Tinubu Orders Downward Review of 2026 Hajj Fares For Intending Pilgrims
