President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has ordered an immediate review and reduction of the 2026 Hajj fare for Nigerian pilgrims, citing the recent appreciation of the naira against the US dollar.
Vice President Kashim Shettima, who conveyed the directive to the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) on Monday, gave the agency two days to submit new fare proposals.
Addressing NAHCON officials at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, Shettima emphasized the need for collaboration among federal and state authorities, including governors, to ensure the new rates reflect current economic realities. He also called for prompt remittances to the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to guarantee smooth Hajj operations next year.
Deputy Chief of Staff to the President, Senator Ibrahim Hadeija, told reporters after the meeting that the review was part of broader efforts by the Tinubu administration to ease financial burdens on intending pilgrims.
“If pilgrims paid about ₦8.5 million last year based on a weaker exchange rate, and the naira has now appreciated, the adjustment should reflect in this year’s fares,” Hadeija said. “We expect a significant reduction once the new rates are finalized.”
Secretary of NAHCON, Dr Mustapha Mohammad, welcomed the directive, describing it as a positive development that would allow more Nigerian Muslims to fulfill the pilgrimage obligation.
“The lower the Hajj fare, the better for intending pilgrims,” he said. “We will work tirelessly within the next 48 hours to make it affordable for as many Muslims as possible.”
Alhaji Faruk Aliyu Yaro, Chairman of the Kebbi State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board and Deputy Chairman of the Forum of Pilgrims Board Executives, also commended the move, saying the intervention demonstrates the administration’s sensitivity to the welfare of citizens.
“We are very happy because this decision will bring down the cost of Hajj. We thank the President and Vice President for this timely action,” he said.