President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has ordered the immediate reduction of fares for the 2026 Hajj pilgrimage, directing the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) to review and announce new rates within 48 hours.
Vice President Kashim Shettima conveyed the directive on Monday during a meeting with NAHCON’s management and board members at the Presidential Villa, Abuja. The decision follows the sustained appreciation of the naira against the dollar, which serves as the major determinant of Hajj fare costs.
Shettima stressed the need for synergy between the federal and state Hajj boards, urging quick action to ensure that pilgrims benefit directly from the strengthening currency. He also called on stakeholders to ensure prompt payments and timely remittances to the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to guarantee a seamless operation ahead of the 2026 exercise.
“The President’s directive is clear—reduce the Hajj fare in line with the appreciating value of the naira,” Shettima told officials. “We must make this sacred obligation more affordable for our citizens. Collaboration among federal, state, and financial stakeholders is key to achieving this.”
Speaking to journalists after the meeting, Deputy Chief of Staff to the President, Senator Ibrahim Hadeija, explained that the review was in response to positive trends in Nigeria’s economic reforms, which have strengthened the naira and improved fiscal stability.
He noted that last year’s Hajj fare ranged between ₦8.5 million and ₦8.6 million when the naira was weaker, but that pilgrims should now expect a substantial reduction.
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“Rates have continued to improve steadily, with the naira appreciating due to government reforms,” Hadeija said. “If the exchange rate was negative last year, it is only fair that the current gains reflect in the 2026 Hajj fares. The benefits of these reforms must be passed on to intending pilgrims.”
According to him, NAHCON and relevant agencies were tasked to adopt more realistic exchange rates in recalculating the fares. “If we achieve what we envisage, we will have a very significant reduction in the cost of performing the Hajj,” he added.
Reacting to the directive, the Secretary of NAHCON, Dr. Mustapha Mohammad, commended the President’s decision, describing it as a timely intervention that would make the pilgrimage more affordable to many Muslim faithful.
“It is a welcome development. The lower the Hajj fare, the better for Muslim faithful intending to perform Hajj,” he said. “We will work tirelessly between today and tomorrow to reduce it to the barest minimum and ensure it is affordable for every Muslim who wishes to fulfil this important pillar of Islam.”
Also speaking, the Chairman of the Kebbi State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board and Deputy Chairman of the Forum of Chief Executives of Pilgrims Boards, Alhaji Faruk Aliyu Yaro, lauded the move, saying it had rekindled hope among intending pilgrims nationwide.
“We are very happy because the President and Vice President have intervened. This action will surely bring down the cost of the Hajj fare, and for that, we are grateful,” he said.
The review marks the first major policy move toward the 2026 Hajj operation and underscores Tinubu’s commitment to easing economic burdens on citizens amid the ongoing reforms.