President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has ordered an immediate review of the 2026 Hajj fares, directing the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) to produce new, reduced rates within two days.
Naijaonpoint reports that the Vice-President, Kashim Shettima, conveyed the directive on Monday during a meeting with NAHCON’s management and board members at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
Speaking after the meeting, Deputy Chief of Staff to the President, Ibrahim Hadeija, said the move was aimed at easing the financial burden on intending pilgrims.
He said, “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 negative exchange rate last year, and the exchange rate has improved, then the changes should reflect in the current fares.”
According to him, the presidency expects a “very significant reduction” in the cost of Hajj once the review is completed.
Secretary of NAHCON, Mustapha Mohammad, described the directive as a welcome development that would allow more Muslims to participate in this year’s pilgrimage.
“The lower the Hajj fare, the better for Muslim faithful intending to perform Hajj. We will work tirelessly between today and tomorrow to reduce it to the barest minimum and ensure affordability,” he assured.
The Chairman of the Kebbi State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, Faruk Aliyu Yaro, who also serves as Deputy Chairman of the Forum of Chief Executives of 36 States and FCT Pilgrims Boards, hailed the intervention.
He said, “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.”
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