Tinubu Directs 2026 Hajj Fares Reduction, Says NAHCON
National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) is set to announced
the downward review of the cost of the 2026 Hajj in Saudi Arabia.
The move, according to the commission, followed the directive of
President Bola Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima that the next year's Hajj fare be reduced.
NAHCON Spokesperson, Fatima Sanda Usara, described the gesture as a thoughtful
and timely move that brings great relief to intending pilgrims across the
country.
Usara explained that directive reinforces President
Tinubu’s steady support for improving Hajj management in Nigeria through interventions
that make the exercise more affordable, transparent, and well-coordinated.
“The Commission regards this as a thoughtful and
timely move that brings great relief to intending pilgrims across the country.
“The President’s instruction to review Hajj fares
downward shows a government that listens and responds to the people’s concerns.
It also reflects genuine empathy for the financial strain faced by many Muslims
who dream of performing the sacred pilgrimage”
“NAHCON will work closely with all stakeholders to ensure the
full implementation of the directive and to deliver a smooth and rewarding 2026
Hajj for Nigerian pilgrims.
NAHCON equally hails the government’s call on pilgrims
and State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Boards to take advantage of the current
appreciation of the Naira by making early remittances.
The commission, therefore, called on intending
pilgrims to hasten and make payment in sequence to the disclosure of the new
fare, which will be announced soon.
“This will enable their boards to make early
remittances that will enable the Central Bank of Nigeria to use the favourable
exchange rate for the Hajj services,” the statement added.
Recall that the Federal Government had on Monday
directed the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria to immediately reduce the cost
of the 2026 Hajj fares it had recently announced at over N8.2 million as the
final fares for the 2026 Hajj.
