TINUBU ORDERS REDUCTION OF 2026 HAJJ FARE AS VP SHETTIMA GIVES NAHCON TWO DAYS TO IMPLEMENT DIRECTIVE
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By Aishat Momoh. O.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has ordered an immediate review and reduction of the 2026 Hajj fares, citing the sustained appreciation of the naira against the dollar as a key factor influencing pilgrimage costs.
Following the president’s directive, Vice President Kashim Shettima has given the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) two days to submit a revised fare structure for the upcoming Hajj exercise.
Shettima, who conveyed the directive on Monday during a meeting with the management and board members of NAHCON at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, emphasised the need for synergy between national and state officials, including governors, to ensure the new fares are both fair and realistic.
He also called for prompt payments and timely remittances to the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to guarantee a smooth and well-coordinated 2026 Hajj operation.
Speaking to journalists after the meeting, the Deputy Chief of Staff to the President, Senator Ibrahim Hadeija, said the session was convened to finalise preparations for the 2026 Hajj, particularly the review of fare rates.
He explained that the government’s goal was to reduce the financial burden on intending pilgrims, in line with ongoing economic reforms that have strengthened the naira.
“Rates have continued to improve steadily with the appreciation of the naira due to the government’s reforms. The Vice President felt that if pilgrims paid between ₦8.5 million and ₦8.6 million last year based on a weaker exchange rate, then the current improvement should reflect in the fares, and the benefits should go to the pilgrims,” Hadeija said.
He added that NAHCON officials had been directed to reassess the exchange rate and come up with a more realistic and affordable fare within 48 hours.
The Secretary of NAHCON, Dr Mustapha Mohammad, described the President’s intervention as a welcome development that would enable more Muslims to fulfil the sacred obligation of Hajj.
“The lower the Hajj fare, the better for intending pilgrims. We will work tirelessly within the next two days to ensure that the cost is reduced to the barest minimum,” Mohammad assured.
Also speaking, the Chairman of the Kebbi State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board and Deputy Chairman of the Forum of Chief Executives of State Pilgrims Boards, Alhaji Faruk Aliyu Yaro, lauded the President and Vice President for their swift intervention.
“We are very happy because their action will help bring down the cost of Hajj fare. This is a relief for many Muslim faithful,” he said.
The directive is part of the Tinubu administration’s commitment to alleviating financial pressures on citizens while ensuring greater transparency and fairness in Nigeria’s Hajj operations.
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