Abuja, Nigeria — Vice President Kashim Shettima has directed the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) to submit revised, lower fares for the 2026 Hajj within two days, following President Bola Tinubu’s instruction for an immediate review.
Speaking at a meeting with NAHCON’s board and management at the Presidential Villa, Shettima said the review must reflect the recent appreciation of the naira against the US dollar—one of the primary cost drivers of Hajj logistics, including airfare, accommodation, and service payments denominated in foreign currency.
He urged tighter coordination among federal and state Hajj officials and appealed to governors to align quickly on a harmonized fare structure. The Vice President also pressed for prompt payments and remittances to the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to keep this year’s operations on schedule.
Briefing journalists after the meeting, Deputy Chief of Staff to the President, Senator Ibrahim Hadeija, said the session was convened to “finalise preparations for the 2026 Hajj operations, particularly the determination of fares.” He noted that with the naira strengthening amid ongoing economic reforms, “the benefits should be passed to the prospective pilgrims.”
“Rates have continued to improve steadily,” Hadeija said. “If pilgrims paid ₦8.5–₦8.6 million last year based on a weaker exchange rate, and the exchange rate has improved, then the changes should reflect in the current fares. If we achieve what we envisage, there will be a very significant reduction.”
NAHCON’s Secretary, Dr. Mustapha Mohammad, welcomed the directive, saying a lower fare would expand access for intending pilgrims. “As directed by the Vice President, we will work tirelessly between today and tomorrow to reduce it to the barest minimum and an affordable rate so more Muslim faithful can perform this very important pillar of Islam,” he said.
State boards also hailed the intervention. Alhaji Faruk Aliyu Yaro, Chairman of the Kebbi State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board and Deputy Chairman of the forum of the chief executives of the 36 states and FCT pilgrims boards, said the move should ease the financial burden on households. “We are very happy because the President and the Vice President have intervened. We expect this to bring down the cost of Hajj fare,” he noted.
With the countdown to key Hajj payment milestones underway, NAHCON is expected to table the recalculated fare within 48 hours, paving the way for immediate stakeholder adoption and remittances to CBN to ensure a smooth, on-time operation.
