President Tinubu Orders Immediate Reduction of 2026 Hajj Fares
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) to review and reduce the 2026 Hajj fares within the next two days.
This directive was communicated by Vice President Kashim Shettima during a meeting with NAHCON’s management and board members at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Monday.
The Vice President emphasized the importance of close collaboration among national and state Hajj officials, including state governors, to agree on new, more affordable fares. He urged all stakeholders to ensure prompt payments and timely remittances to the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to guarantee a smooth and successful pilgrimage.
After the meeting, Senator Ibrahim Hadeija, the Deputy Chief of Staff to the President, explained that this initiative aims to make the sacred journey more accessible for Nigerian Muslims.
“The goal is to ease the financial burden on intending pilgrims,” Senator Hadeija stated. “With the naira appreciating due to the government’s economic reforms, it is only fair that the reduced exchange rates are reflected in the new Hajj fares. We anticipate a significant reduction compared to last year’s rate of ₦8.5 million to ₦8.6 million.”
Dr. Mustapha Mohammad, the Secretary of NAHCON, welcomed the directive and described it as a positive development for Muslims wishing to undertake the holy pilgrimage.
“The lower the fare, the more accessible and affordable Hajj becomes,” Dr. Mohammad said. “As instructed by the Vice President, we will work diligently to ensure that the revised rates are manageable for the average Nigerian Muslim.”
In response to the announcement, Alhaji Faruk Aliyu Yaro, the Chairman of the Kebbi State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board and Deputy Chairman of the Forum of Chief Executives of the 36 State and FCT Pilgrims’ Boards, praised the President’s intervention.
“We appreciate the President’s concern for the Muslim community,” Yaro said. “This initiative will encourage more faithful to fulfill this important pillar of Islam.”
