Vice-President Kashim Shettima says President Bola Tinubu has ordered the 2026 Hajj fares to reflect the naira’s rising value.
The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) had earlier set fares at ₦8.1 million for pilgrims from the Maiduguri zone; covering Yobe, Borno, Adamawa, and Taraba, ₦8.2 million for other northern states, and ₦8.5 million for southern states.
Shettima said the review was necessary due to the naira’s continued appreciation against the dollar, which affects Hajj costs. Stanley Nkwocha, the vice president’s media aide, released the statement on Monday.
Shettima gave the commission two days to present a new fare proposal to the board and management at the StateHouse. He urged strong collaboration among governors and officials to ensure a consistent and transparent implementation of the revised fares.
Shettima urged prompt payment and remittance of all Hajj funds to the Central Bank of Nigeria for smooth operations.
After the meeting, Ibrahim Hadeija, the president’s deputy chief of staff, told reporters that the discussion focused on finalizing plans for the 2026 Hajj, especially lowering the cost for intending pilgrims.
Hadeija said the 2026 Hajj fares review followed the naira’s recent gains driven by government economic reforms. He emphasized that the president wanted the new fares to reflect the benefits of the stronger currency.
“Rates have continued to improve steadily, with the naira appreciating based on the effects of the economic reforms of the government,” he said.
“The vice-president felt that if pilgrims paid ₦8.5 million to ₦8.6 million based on a weaker exchange rate last year, and the rate has now improved, then the changes should be reflected in the current fares, and the benefits should also be passed to the prospective pilgrims.”
“So, the commission and all officers of NAHCON have been told to immediately look at more realistic exchange rates. If we achieve what we envisage, then we will have a very significant reduction in the Hajj.”
