President Tinubu orders 2026 Hajj Fares Review as naira strengthens, directing NAHCON to cut pilgrimage costs and make Hajj affordable for Nigerian Muslims.
The Federal Government has ordered an immediate 2026 Hajj Fares Review to make the sacred pilgrimage more affordable for Nigerian Muslims.
President Bola Tinubu’s directive came as the naira continues to appreciate against the dollar, prompting the need to adjust the 2026 Hajj fares to reflect the nation’s improving economy.
Vice President Kashim Shettima, who conveyed the President’s order, instructed the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) to submit revised fares within two days.
The move, according to him, aims to ensure that the benefits of Nigeria’s economic recovery and naira appreciation directly reach intending pilgrims.
Speaking during a meeting with NAHCON management and board members at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, Shettima emphasized that the government must ensure fairness and transparency in determining the new rates.
He said the 2026 Hajj Fares Review became necessary as the exchange rate — the key determinant of airfare and accommodation costs — has improved significantly.
“If the naira is stronger today than it was last year, then Nigerian pilgrims should not be paying old rates,” Shettima said.
He called for close coordination between federal and state Hajj authorities, including governors, to agree on realistic and affordable fares.
The Vice President also urged all stakeholders to make quick remittances to the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to guarantee a smooth and transparent exercise.
After the meeting, Deputy Chief of Staff to the President, Senator Ibrahim Hadeija, told reporters that the discussion focused on finalizing preparations for the 2026 Hajj and ensuring that the new fare structure reflects current economic realities.
He explained that the government’s reforms have led to steady gains in the foreign exchange market, with the naira’s improved performance offering an opportunity to reduce financial pressure on pilgrims.
“Last year, Nigerian pilgrims paid between ₦8.5 million and ₦8.6 million due to unfavourable rates,” Hadeija said.
“Now that the exchange rate has improved, the 2026 Hajj Fares Review will ensure that the reduced cost benefits are passed on to the people.”
According to him, NAHCON officials were instructed to re-calculate using the new exchange rate to ensure a significant reduction in the overall Hajj cost.
The Secretary of the National Hajj Commission, Dr. Mustapha Mohammad, described the directive as a major relief to Muslims planning to perform Hajj in 2026.
“It is a very welcome development,” he said.
“The 2026 Hajj Fares Review will open the door for more people to participate in this spiritual journey. The lower the cost, the more inclusive and accessible the Hajj becomes for faithful Muslims.”
Dr. Mohammad affirmed that the commission would work tirelessly within the two-day window to finalize new rates that reflect economic realities while maintaining service quality.
He noted that NAHCON’s priority remains fairness, transparency, and affordability.
Meanwhile, the Chairman of the Kebbi State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board and Deputy Chairman of the Forum of Chief Executives of Pilgrims Boards from the 36 States and the FCT, Alhaji Faruk Aliyu Yaro, expressed satisfaction with the President’s action.
“We are very happy with this decision,” Yaro said.
“This shows that the government listens and understands the challenges faced by intending pilgrims. The intervention will reduce the cost of the journey and make it more affordable for many Muslims.”
He added that the review was a sign of the government’s responsiveness to citizens’ welfare and religious needs.
Economists have hailed the 2026 Hajj Fares Review as evidence that the government’s reforms are having a direct, positive impact on citizens.
The strengthening naira, driven by disciplined fiscal policies and market reforms, is now translating into tangible social and spiritual benefits.
Analysts believe that by linking the Hajj fare review to the naira’s performance, the Tinubu administration is demonstrating accountability, transparency, and empathy for the people.
“This move ensures that the government’s economic success is not just about numbers,” one Abuja-based economist said.
“It’s about real change that improves citizens’ lives — even in areas like religious travel.”
As NAHCON works to finalize the revised fares, many intending pilgrims across Nigeria are expressing optimism.
For thousands of Muslims, the pilgrimage to Mecca is a once-in-a-lifetime duty, and lowering the cost removes a significant barrier.
Vice President Shettima reaffirmed that the Tinubu administration would continue prioritizing citizens’ welfare and ensuring no Nigerian is denied access to spiritual fulfilment because of financial hardship.
“Our focus is clear,” he said. “We want every Muslim who wishes to perform Hajj to have the opportunity to do so at an affordable rate. That is what fairness and responsible governance demand.”
The Federal Government’s decision to initiate the 2026 Hajj Fares Review signals a new era of fairness and accountability in religious administration.
With the naira gaining strength and the government committed to transparency, the upcoming Hajj exercise is expected to be more affordable, well-organized, and inclusive.
Through this directive, President Tinubu and Vice President Shettima have demonstrated that economic progress should directly improve the quality of life and spiritual well-being of Nigerians.
About The Author
