BREAKING: Tinubu Orders Immediate Review Of 2026 Hajj Fares

BREAKING: Tinubu Orders Immediate Review Of 2026 Hajj Fares

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has ordered an immediate review of the 2026 Hajj fares.

The President directed the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) to release new fare rates within two days.

Vice President Kashim Shettima conveyed the directive on Monday during a meeting with NAHCON’s management and board members at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

He emphasized the need for collaboration between federal and state officials—including governors—to harmonize and adopt new, fairer rates for the pilgrimage.

The Vice President also urged swift action from all stakeholders to ensure prompt payments and timely remittances to the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), guaranteeing a smooth Hajj operation.

Speaking to journalists after the meeting, the Deputy Chief of Staff to the President, Senator Ibrahim Hadejia, explained that the session, convened at the Vice President’s request, aimed to finalize preparations for the 2026 Hajj, particularly in determining affordable fares for pilgrims.

He noted that the review seeks to ease the financial burden on intending pilgrims, considering the current economic reforms under the Tinubu administration.

He said, “Rates have continued to improve steadily, with the naira appreciating based on the effects of the economic reforms of the government.”

The Vice President felt that if pilgrims paid ₦8.5 million to ₦8.6 million based on 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.

“So, the commissions and all officers of the Hajj commission are here and they have been told to immediately go to look at more realistic exchange rates. If we achieve what we envisage, then we will have a very significant reduction in the Hajj.”

In his remarks, NAHCON Secretary Dr. Mustapha Mohammad said the directive is expected to boost the number of pilgrims for next year’s exercise.

“It is a welcome development and the lower the Hajj fare, the better for Muslim faithful intending to perform Hajj. So, as directed by the Vice President, we will work tirelessly between today and tomorrow to see that we reduce it to the bearerest minimum and affordable rate for every Muslim faithful to have the opportunity to perform this very important pillar of Islam.”

Similarly, Alhaji Faruk Aliyu Yaro, Chairman of the Kebbi State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board and Deputy Chairman of the Forum of Chief Executives of the 36 States and FCT Pilgrims Boards, commended the President for the initiative.

“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,” he said.