President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has ordered an immediate downward review of the 2026 Hajj fare to reflect the continued appreciation of the naira against the dollar.
Vice President Kashim Shettima, who conveyed the directive, has given the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) just two days to implement the new fare structure.
Shettima delivered the President’s message during a meeting with NAHCON’s management and board members at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
He said the President’s instruction was clear the Hajj fare must be reviewed downward to reflect current economic realities and the improving strength of the naira.
The Vice President urged NAHCON, state governors, and pilgrims’ welfare boards to collaborate in recalculating the fares, emphasizing the need for prompt remittances to the Central Bank of Nigeria to ensure a smooth and well-coordinated operation next year.
Speaking with State House correspondents after the meeting, Deputy Chief of Staff to the President, Senator Ibrahim Hadeija, said the review aims to ease the financial burden on intending pilgrims.
According to him, the strengthening naira driven by government reforms should directly benefit citizens.
NAHCON Secretary, Dr. Mustapha Mohammad, welcomed the directive, describing it as a “timely intervention” that would enable more Muslims to fulfill one of the pillars of Islam.
Similarly, Chairman of the Kebbi State Pilgrims Welfare Board and Deputy Chairman of the Forum of Chief Executives of the 36 States and FCT, Alhaji Faruk Aliyu Yaro, hailed the move as “a huge relief” for Muslim faithful across the country.
With NAHCON now racing against the two-day deadline, expectations are high that the new fare structure will make the 2026 Hajj more affordable for thousands of Nigerian pilgrims.