Nigeria Reduces 2026 Hajj Fares to Alleviate Financial Burden on Pilgrims
The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has announced a significant reduction in the 2026 Hajj fare for Nigerian pilgrims. This decision follows a directive from Vice President Kashim Shettima, aiming to ease the financial strain on Muslim citizens preparing for the pilgrimage.
According to a statement released on Sunday, the new fare reflects a reduction of up to N792,943.83 from the previous 2025 rates, depending on each pilgrim’s departure zone. The largest reduction was recorded for pilgrims in the Southern Zone, where the fare has been reduced by N792,943.83. The revised cost for the Southern Zone now stands at N7,991,141.76, down from N8,784,085.59.
For pilgrims departing from the Northern Zone, the fare has been reduced to N7,696,769.76, reflecting a cut of N760,915.83. Those in the Borno and Adamawa Zone will enjoy the lowest rate of N7,579,020.96, following a reduction of N748,104.63.
NAHCON emphasized that the new fares are part of ongoing reforms aimed at making the Hajj process more affordable and transparent. The commission also announced that all intending pilgrims must complete their payments by December 5, 2025, to secure their slots for the 2026 exercise. This date is critical for finalizing preparations and securing slots for the 2026 pilgrimage.
NAHCON Signs MoU with Saudi Arabia
In a related development, NAHCON Chairman and CEO, Professor Abdullahi Saleh Usman, formally signed the 2026 Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) Agreement with the Saudi Ministry of Hajj on behalf of the Nigerian government.
The MoU, which was publicized on NAHCON’s official X handle, officially cements Nigeria’s participation in the upcoming pilgrimage. Signing the agreement ensures that Nigerian pilgrims will have allocated slots, confirmed flights, and organized logistics in line with Saudi Arabia’s requirements for the 2026 Hajj season.
Reforms Underway Following Allegations of Mismanagement
Earlier reports indicated that NAHCON is implementing reforms under Professor Abdullahi Saleh Usman after allegations of mismanaging a ₦90 billion forex subsidy. External audits, stakeholder reconciliation, and enhanced service standards aim to restore trust and elevate Hajj operations.
Ongoing investigations, forex issues, and Saudi policy changes threaten NAHCON’s preparations, prompting calls for federal support.
Hotel Fire Sparks Concerns for Pilgrims
Foot-care.ng earlier reported that the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has confirmed that the hotel accommodating all 484 Nigerian pilgrims in Makkah was gutted by fire on Saturday, June 7.
Fatima Usara, assistant director of Information for NAHCON, said the tragedy was averted as the Nigerian pilgrims were safe and no casualties were recorded, but their relocation is underway. The fire occurred on Saturday (Saudi Arabia time) at the Imaratus Sanan Hotel on Shari Mansur Street, Makkah, which housed pilgrims from six Nigerian private tour operator companies.