Olayiwola Matthew
Vice-President Kashim Shettima says President Bola Tinubu has issued a directive for an immediate review of the 2026 hajj fares by the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON).
Earlier, the commission said intending pilgrims from the Maiduguri zone, comprising Yobe, Borno, Adamawa and Taraba states, will pay N8.1 million, while those from other northern and southern states will pay N8.2 million and N8.5 million, respectively.
However, in a statement by Stanley Nkwocha, senior special assistant to the vice-president on media and communications, on Monday, Shettima said the review became necessary following the “continued appreciation” of the naira against the dollar—a key factor in determining the cost of hajj.
During a meeting with the management and board members at the State House, the vice-president said the commission must submit a new fare proposal within two days.
He urged close coordination between national and state officials, including governors, to ensure uniformity in adopting a revised rate.
Shettima also called for quick payment and remittance of funds to the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to ensure a smooth and timely operation.
Speaking with journalists after the meeting, Ibrahim Hadeija, deputy chief of staff to the president, said the discussion focused on finalising arrangements for the 2026 hajj, especially on reducing fares for intending pilgrims.
Hadeija explained that the government’s economic reforms had strengthened the naira, and the president expected the benefits of the improved exchange rate to be reflected in the fares.
“Rates have continued to improve steadily, with the naira appreciating based on the effects of the economic reforms of the government,” he said.
“The vice-president felt that if pilgrims paid N8.5 million to N8.6 million based on a weaker exchange rate last year, and the rate has now improved, then the changes should be reflected in the current fares, and the benefits should also be passed to the prospective pilgrims.
“So, the commission and all officers of NAHCON have been told to immediately look at more realistic exchange rates. If we achieve what we envisage, then we will have a very significant reduction in the Hajj.”
Mustapha Mohammad, secretary of NAHCON, described the directive as a positive development that would encourage more Muslims to participate in the exercise.
“It is a welcome development, and the lower the Hajj fare, the better for Muslim faithful intending to perform Hajj,” he said.
“So, as directed by the vice-president, we will work tirelessly between today and tomorrow to reduce it to the barest minimum and make it affordable for every Muslim faithful to have the opportunity to perform this very important pillar of Islam.”
Faruk Yaro, chairman of the Kebbi State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board and deputy chairman of the Forum of Chief Executives of the 36 states and federal capital territory (FCT) pilgrims’ boards, also commended the president’s intervention.
“We are very happy because the president and the vice-president have already intervened,” Yaro said.
“We thank God for what they have said, which is expected to bring down the cost of hajj fare. So, we are happy.”