President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has ordered an urgent review and downward adjustment of the 2026 Hajj fare, citing the continued appreciation of the naira against the US dollar. This directive aims to ease the financial burden on intending Nigerian pilgrims.
Vice President Kashim Shettima, who conveyed the President’s instruction during a high-level meeting with the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) at the Presidential Villa, gave the Commission a 48-hour ultimatum to present a revised and more affordable fare structure.
The Vice President emphasized the importance of aligning Hajj costs with current economic realities, called for synergy between NAHCON, state governments, and pilgrims’ boards in adopting the new fare.
“If pilgrims paid between ₦8.5 and ₦8.6 million last year under a weaker exchange rate, it is only fair that this year’s fare reflects the stronger naira,” said Senator Ibrahim Hadeija, Deputy Chief of Staff to the President, who briefed journalists after the meeting.
He added that the directive reflected the Tinubu administration’s commitment to ensuring that the benefits of its ongoing economic reforms directly reach citizens.
NAHCON’s Secretary, Dr. Mustapha Mohammad, described the directive as a welcome development that will likely increase participation in the 2026 Hajj.
“The lower the Hajj fare, the better for the Muslim Ummah. We will work round the clock to meet the two-day deadline and ensure the fare is within the reach of more Nigerians,” he assured.
Similarly, Alhaji Faruk Aliyu Yaro, Chairman of the Kebbi State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board and Deputy Chairman of the Forum of State Pilgrims Boards, hailed the move as timely and people-focused.
“We are grateful for this intervention. It will certainly ease the process for many intending pilgrims,” he said.
The revised fare is expected to be announced within days as NAHCON race to meet the presidential deadline, setting the stage for a more inclusive and affordable 2026 Hajj exercise.
