-
Tinubu orders NAHCON to cut 2026 Hajj fares within two days.
-
Presidency expects significant fare reduction following naira’s recent appreciation.
-
Muslim leaders commend intervention, say move will ease pilgrims’ financial burden.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) to immediately review and reduce the cost of the 2026 Hajj pilgrimage within two days.
The directive was announced by Vice President Kashim Shettima on Monday during a meeting with NAHCON’s management and board members at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
EDITOR’S PICKS
- Edo PDP Crisis Deepens as Wike’s Camp Elects New Executives
- 2027: ‘Atiku, Obi No Match’ – Oshiomhole Predicts Tinubu’s Victory
- Dr. Alausa, Sabi Abdullahi Unveil New Agricultural Curriculum to Tackle Food Crisis
EKO HOT BLOG reports that speaking after the meeting, Deputy Chief of Staff to the President, Ibrahim Hadeija, said the decision was driven by the administration’s commitment to ease the financial burden on intending pilgrims.
He explained that the ongoing economic reforms had strengthened the naira, creating room for a downward review of the previous Hajj fares.
“Rates have continued to improve steadily, with the naira appreciating based on the effects of government’s reforms. The Vice President felt that if pilgrims paid ₦8.5 million to ₦8.6 million last year when the exchange rate was poor, then the new fares must reflect the improved exchange rate,” Hadeija stated.
According to him, the Presidency expects a significant reduction in the 2026 Hajj fares once the review is completed.
NAHCON Secretary, Mustapha Mohammad, welcomed the development, describing it as timely and beneficial to the Muslim community.
“The lower the Hajj fare, the better for Muslim faithful intending to perform Hajj. We will work tirelessly between today and tomorrow to reduce it to the barest minimum and ensure affordability,” he assured.
Similarly, the Chairman of the Kebbi State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, Faruk Aliyu Yaro, who also serves as Deputy Chairman of the Forum of Chief Executives of 36 States and FCT Pilgrims Boards, commended the President and Vice President for their swift intervention.
“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,” he said.
The review is expected to make the 2026 Hajj more affordable for thousands of Nigerian Muslims preparing for the pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia.
FURTHER READING
- World Teachers’ Day: Dr. Alausa Calls for Teamwork Among Nigerian Teachers
- Jandor Warns Jonathan Against 2027 Presidential Bid, Says Tinubu Unbeatable
- Snowstorm Traps Nearly 1,000 on Mount Everest Eastern Slopes
