President Bola Tinubu directed NAHCON to produce a new, affordable fare structure within two days
Tinubu Orders Immediate Reduction of 2026 Hajj Fare
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) to immediately reduce the 2026 Hajj fare in line with the recent appreciation of the naira against the US dollar, a key factor in determining pilgrimage costs.
Vice President Kashim Shettima, who conveyed the President’s directive on Monday during a meeting with NAHCON’s management and board members at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, gave the commission two days to produce a new, affordable fare structure.
According to a statement issued by Stanley Nkwocha, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications (Office of the Vice President), Shettima said the decision was to ensure Nigerian pilgrims benefit directly from the ongoing economic reforms and the strengthened value of the national currency.
“The directive is necessary to make sure the gains of a stronger naira reflect in the welfare of Nigerian pilgrims,” Shettima said, urging NAHCON, state governments, and relevant agencies to harmonise the new fare structure for a smooth 2026 Hajj operation.
He also stressed the importance of timely remittances to the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to guarantee seamless logistics for the pilgrimage.
Speaking after the meeting, the Deputy Chief of Staff to the President, Senator Ibrahim Hadeija, said the session was convened to review the 2026 Hajj cost structure in light of the improved exchange rate.
“Rates have continued to improve steadily with the appreciation of the naira. If pilgrims paid ₦8.5 million to ₦8.6 million last year due to a weaker exchange rate, the improvement in the economy should now reflect in the new fares,” Hadeija explained.
“The Vice President made it clear that the benefits of the stronger naira must be passed on to the pilgrims.”
In his remarks, Dr. Mustapha Mohammad, Secretary of NAHCON, welcomed the directive, saying it will make the spiritual journey more affordable for Nigerian Muslims.
“It is a welcome development. The lower the Hajj fare, the better for the Muslim faithful. As directed by the Vice President, we will work tirelessly between today and tomorrow to reduce the cost to the barest minimum,” he assured.
Also commending the move, Alhaji Faruk Aliyu Yaro, Chairman of the Kebbi State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board and Deputy Chairman of the Forum of Chief Executives of Pilgrims Boards, praised the President and Vice President for their swift intervention.
“We are very happy because the President and Vice President have already intervened. We thank God for what they have done, which will bring down the cost of Hajj fare. We are delighted,” Yaro said. Read More
