2026 Hajj: NAHCON hails Tinubu, Shettima’s directive to cut fares

 

 

The Chairman, Board, management and entire staff of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria have commended President Bola Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima for their recent directive to reduce the cost of the 2026 Hajj, describing the gesture as a thoughtful and timely move that brings great relief to intending pilgrims across the country.

 

The commendation is contained in a statement by the Deputy Director, Information and Publication, NAHCON, Fatima Sanda Usara, a copy of which was made available to The Punch on Tuesday.

 

“The Commission regards this as a thoughtful and timely move that brings great relief to intending pilgrims across the country.

 

“The President’s instruction to review Hajj fares downward shows a government that listens and responds to the people’s concerns. It also reflects genuine empathy for the financial strain faced by many Muslims who dream of performing the sacred pilgrimage,” the statement said.

NAHCON equally hails the government’s call on pilgrims and State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Boards to take advantage of the current appreciation of the Naira by making early remittances. Acting promptly, as mentioned by the Deputy Chief of Staff, Alhaji Ibrahim Hadeja, after the meeting at the Villa, would help Nigeria lock in the benefits of the stronger currency.

 

The directive and recommendation for early remittances show a deep understanding of both NAHCON’s operational challenges and the economic realities of our pilgrims. It is another clear example of a responsive and people-focused administration that steps in with practical solutions, especially to the Commission.

According to the statement, this directive reinforces President Tinubu’s steady support for improving Hajj management in Nigeria through interventions that make the exercise more affordable, transparent, and well-coordinated.

 

It said, “NAHCON will work closely with all stakeholders to ensure the full implementation of the directive and to deliver a smooth and rewarding 2026 Hajj for Nigerian pilgrims.

 

The commission, therefore, called on intending pilgrims to hasten and make payment in sequence to the disclosure of the new fare, which will be announced soon.

 

“This will enable their boards to make early remittances that will enable the Central Bank of Nigeria to use the favourable exchange rate for the Hajj services,” the statement added.

 

Recall that the Federal Government had on Monday directed the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria to immediately reduce the cost of the 2026 Hajj fares it had recently announced.

 

The commission had announced over N8.2 million as the final fares for the 2026 Hajj.