President Tinubu
By Olamilekan Tosin
President Bola Tinubu has directed the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) to immediately reduce the 2026 Hajj fare in light of the recent appreciation of the naira against the dollar. This move aims to make the pilgrimage more affordable for Nigerian Muslims. The Vice President, Kashim Shettima, conveyed the President’s directive during a meeting with NAHCON management and board members, giving the commission two days to produce a new, affordable fare structure.
The directive is in response to the improved exchange rate, which has led to a reduction in pilgrimage costs. The President’s directive aims to reduce the Hajj fare from around ₦8.5-₦8.6 million to approximately ₦7.6-₦7.7 million. This reduction is based on the appreciation of the naira against the dollar, which has improved the exchange rate and reduced pilgrimage costs.
NAHCON has been tasked with producing a new fare structure that reflects the current economic realities and exchange rates. The commission is expected to work diligently to ensure that the new fare structure is fair, transparent, and affordable for all pilgrims.
The Chairman of the Kebbi State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, Alhaji Faruk Aliyu Yaro, welcomed the directive, expressing gratitude to the President and Vice President for their intervention. He noted that the reduction in Hajj fare would be a significant relief to many Nigerian Muslims who had been struggling with the high costs of pilgrimage.
The Secretary of NAHCON, Dr. Mustapha Mohammad, stated that the President’s directive would increase the number of intending pilgrims for the exercise. He emphasized that the commission would work tirelessly to ensure that the pilgrimage is conducted smoothly and efficiently, with the welfare of pilgrims being their top priority.
The reduction in Hajj fare is expected to have a positive impact on many Nigerian Muslims who had been deterred by the high costs of pilgrimage. With the new fare structure, more pilgrims are likely to participate in the Hajj, and the exercise is expected to be more inclusive and accessible to a wider range of people.
