Tinubu Orders Review of 2026 Hajj Fares as Naira Strengthens; Shettima Directs NAHCON to Reduce Costs Within 48 Hours

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has ordered an immediate review of the 2026 Hajj fares to reflect the current appreciation of the naira against the dollar. Acting on the President’s directive, Vice President Kashim Shettima on Monday instructed the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) to submit revised fare rates within two days. The move aims to ease the financial burden on intending pilgrims while ensuring transparency and accountability in the pricing process.

During a meeting with NAHCON’s management and board members at the State House, Abuja, Shettima emphasized the need for close collaboration among federal and state officials, including governors, to harmonize the new fare structure. He urged prompt payments and timely remittances to the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to guarantee a seamless pilgrimage operation in 2026. According to him, the administration remains committed to making the Hajj more affordable and accessible for all qualified Muslim faithful.

Speaking with reporters after the meeting, the Deputy Chief of Staff to the President, Senator Ibrahim Hadeija, explained that the review aligns with the government’s economic reforms, which have strengthened the naira and stabilized foreign exchange rates. He noted that pilgrims previously paid between ₦8.5 million and ₦8.6 million for the 2025 Hajj, largely due to unfavorable exchange rates. With the recent improvement in the economy, he said, “It’s only fair that the reduction in exchange rates is reflected in the new Hajj fares.”

NAHCON Secretary, Dr. Mustapha Mohammad, described the directive as a welcome development that would likely boost the number of intending pilgrims. “The lower the Hajj fare, the better for Muslim faithful intending to perform the pilgrimage,” he said, adding that the commission would “work tirelessly” to make the fares affordable and accessible to as many Nigerians as possible. He reaffirmed NAHCON’s readiness to meet the Vice President’s 48-hour deadline.

Meanwhile, Alhaji Faruk Aliyu Yaro, Chairman of the Kebbi State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board and Deputy Chairman of the Forum of Chief Executives of Pilgrims Boards across Nigeria, lauded the federal government’s intervention. “We are very happy because the President and Vice President have stepped in to bring relief to intending pilgrims. This directive is a big relief and shows the government’s compassion,” he said.

source: Nairametrics