President Tinubu’s Directive Leads to Reduced 2026 Hajj Fare
Following a directive from President Bola Tinubu, the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has announced the revised fare for the 2026 Hajj pilgrimage. The announcement was made on September 26 and came as a result of discussions held during a meeting with the NAHCON management team on October 6. Vice President Kashim Shettima conveyed the president’s directive, emphasizing the importance of lowering the costs for pilgrims.
Shettima highlighted that the decision to reduce the Hajj fare was influenced by the continued appreciation of the naira against the dollar. This factor plays a significant role in determining the cost of the pilgrimage. The revised fare, which was set after consultations with relevant stakeholders, represents a reduction of N200,000 compared to the fare paid for the 2025 Hajj across all zones.
Revised Fares for Different Zones
The new fare for the 2026 Hajj has been structured based on different zones. Pilgrims from the Maiduguri/Yola zone, which includes Adamawa, Borno, Taraba, and Yobe states, will pay N8,118,333.67. This is a significant decrease from the N8,327,125.59 paid by those from the same zone in the 2025 Hajj.
For other Northern states, the fare has been set at N8,244,813.67, down from N8,457,685.59 in 2025. Meanwhile, pilgrims from Southern states will pay N8,561,013.67, a reduction from the N8,784,085.59 paid in the previous year.
In an interview with BBC Hausa Service, NAHCON Chairman/CEO, Professor Abdullahi Saleh Usman, announced the revised fare. He emphasized that the new deadline for payment of the fare is Friday, December 5.
New Fares for Different Zones
According to Usman, intending pilgrims from the Maiduguri/Yola zone will now pay N7,579,020.96, while those from other Northern zones are expected to pay N7,696,769.76. Pilgrims from the Southern zone will pay N7,991,141.76 as their fare.
This adjustment reflects the government’s commitment to making the Hajj more accessible and affordable for Nigerian Muslims. The reduction in fares is seen as a positive step towards ensuring that more citizens can fulfill their religious obligations without financial strain.
Impact on Pilgrims
The revised fare is expected to have a significant impact on the Muslim community in Nigeria. By reducing the cost of the pilgrimage, the government aims to encourage more people to participate in the Hajj, especially those from lower-income backgrounds.
The decision also aligns with broader efforts to improve the economic conditions of the country. With the naira appreciating against the dollar, the cost of international travel, including the Hajj, has become more manageable for many Nigerians.
Conclusion
The announcement of the reduced 2026 Hajj fare marks a positive development for Nigerian Muslims. It reflects the government’s responsiveness to the needs of its citizens and its commitment to supporting religious practices. As the deadline for payment approaches, pilgrims are encouraged to prepare accordingly and take advantage of this opportunity to embark on their spiritual journey.