President Tinubu Orders Slash in 2026 Hajj Fare, Gives NAHCON 48-Hour Ultimatum

 In a move aimed at providing relief for Nigerian Muslims, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed an immediate review and reduction of the Hajj pilgrimage fare for 2026.

The directive was handed down on Monday by Vice President Kashim Shettima during a meeting with the board and management of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) at the Presidential Villa. The Vice President gave the commission a 48-hour deadline to compute and implement a new, lower fare structure.

The decision was prompted by the continued appreciation of the Naira against the US dollar, a key factor in determining the cost of the pilgrimage. Vice President Shettima called for synergy between NAHCON, state governors, and other stakeholders to streamline the process and ensure the new fares are adopted swiftly.

He also urged all parties to act promptly to facilitate quick payments and remittances to the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) for a seamless Hajj operation.

Explaining the rationale behind the directive, Senator Ibrahim Hadejia, the Deputy Chief of Staff to the President, stated that the meeting was convened to finalise preparations for the 2026 Hajj, with a specific focus on reducing the financial burden on pilgrims.

"Rates have continued to improve steadily, with the naira appreciating based on the effects of the economic reforms of the government," Hadejia told journalists. "The Vice President felt that if pilgrims paid ₦8.5 million to ₦8.6 million based on a negative exchange rate last year, and the exchange rate has improved, then the changes should reflect in the current fares, and the benefits should also be passed to the prospective pilgrims."

He expressed optimism that the review would lead to a "very significant reduction" in the cost of the pilgrimage.

Officials from the Hajj commission and state pilgrim boards have welcomed the President's intervention.

The Secretary of NAHCON, Dr. Mustapha Mohammad, affirmed the commission's commitment to the directive, stating, "As directed by the Vice President, we will work tirelessly between today and tomorrow to see that we reduce it to the barest minimum and affordable rate for every Muslim faithful to have the opportunity to perform this very important pillar of Islam."

Echoing this sentiment, Alhaji Faruk Aliyu Yaro, Chairman of the Kebbi State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, said, "We are very happy because the President and the Vice President have already intervened... We thank God for what they have said, which is expected to bring down the cost of Hajj fare. So, we are happy."

The new fare is expected to be announced within the next two days, potentially enabling a larger number of Nigerian Muslims to undertake the spiritual journey in 2026.