The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has proposed a provisional deposit of ₦8.5 million as tentative fare for the 2026 Hajj, pending final negotiations with service providers. This was part of the resolutions reached during a strategic post-Hajj meeting held on Thursday, August 7, 2025, at the Hajj House Headquarters, Abuja.
The meeting brought together Chairmen and Secretaries of State Pilgrims’ Welfare Boards to review the 2025 Hajj operations and commence early preparations for the upcoming year.
In his remarks, NAHCON Chairman, Professor Abdullahi Saleh Usman, appreciated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his unwavering support to Nigerian pilgrims, particularly the Federal Government’s intervention that enabled Hajj carriers to accept payments in Naira, shielding pilgrims from foreign exchange challenges.
Professor Usman also commended the suspension of the Central Bank of Nigeria’s policy mandating credit card-only payments for Basic Travel Allowance (BTA), which could have disadvantaged many due to limited sensitization.
He urged participants to provide honest assessments of the 2025 Hajj, highlighting what worked and areas that need improvement.
The Commissioner in charge of Planning, Research and Statistics, Information and Library Services (PRSILS), Prof. Abubakar Abubakar Yagawal, led the session on the proposed 2026 Hajj Calendar, while the Commissioner for Operations, Prince Anofiu Elegushi, led deliberations on operational issues.
Prince Elegushi also raised the possibility of rolling over contracts with the four airlines used in 2025, citing time constraints and the importance of securing early airlift slots in line with Saudi Arabia’s expectations.
Professor Usman disclosed that Nigeria’s Hajj slot allocation of 95,000 remained unchanged for 2026, and that the distribution to states would follow the previous year’s arrangement.
Speaking on behalf of the Forum of States Executive Secretaries, Alhaji Idris Almakura, Executive Secretary of the Nasarawa State Muslim Pilgrims’ Board, praised NAHCON for organizing the meeting. He called for enhanced communication between the Commission and state boards, as well as timely resolution of outstanding issues from the 2025 Hajj.
Other key officials in attendance included Deputy Chairman of the Forum, Alhaji Aliyu Faruku Yaro (ES, Kebbi State), and Secretary of the Forum, Malam Abubakar Salihu (ES, Adamawa State).
The meeting concluded with a commitment by all participants to consult their respective states and provide feedback on unresolved matters. The Secretary to the Commission, Dr. Mustapha Ali, formally adjourned the session after thanking participants for their contributions.
