Tentative Hajj Fare for 2026 Set by NAHCON at 8.5 Million Nigerian Naira
Nigeria Announces Tentative Fare for 2026 Hajj Exercise
The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has announced a provisional fare of ₦8.5 million for the 2026 Hajj exercise. The announcement was made by the Assistant Director of Information and Publication at NAHCON, Fatima Sanda Usara [1].
The provisional fare is subject to final negotiations on service contracts, including transportation, accommodation, and other logistics involved in the pilgrimage [2]. Other factors influencing the fare determination include the retention of Nigeria's pilgrim slot allocation, which remains at 95,000 for 2026 as granted by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia [3].
The Federal Government's intervention has allowed Hajj carriers to accept payments in Naira, protecting intending pilgrims from foreign exchange volatility [2]. The meeting, which was held to assess the 2025 Hajj operations and plan ahead, was also attended by Prince Anofiu Elegushi, Commissioner of Operations, and Professor Abubakar Abubakar Yagawal, Commissioner in charge of Planning, Research and Statistics [1].
Prince Elegushi has proposed the rollover of contracts for the four airlines that operated during the 2025 Hajj. NAHCON reaffirms its commitment to delivering a smooth, affordable, and spiritually fulfilling Hajj experience for all Nigerian pilgrims [1].
The early confirmation of airlift arrangements is suggested to help Nigeria secure air slots ahead of schedule [1]. State allocations for the Hajj have not been altered, maintaining the distribution framework used in 2025 [1]. The 2026 Hajj calendar has not been discussed in this paragraph.
NAHCON Chairman, Professor Abdullahi Saleh Usman, expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for his consistent support [1]. No new information about the 2025 Hajj operations or the return of pilgrims from Saudi Arabia was provided in this announcement.
[1] - [News Source 1] [2] - [News Source 2] [3] - [News Source 3]
- In the context of Hajj operations, the DSS, EFCC, and Finance Ministry may address security, financial, and policy-related concerns to ensure a seamless and affordable pilgrimage, following the provisional fare announcement by NAHCON for the 2026 Hajj exercise.
- Businesses in the travel and hospitality sectors, anticipating increased activities due to the 2026 Hajj announcement, may need to closely monitor financial policies and legislations for potential opportunities or threats to their operations.
- Television and radio stations, newspapers, and digital media outlets may report on the politics surrounding the Hajj fare, including possible negotiations between NAHCON, airlines, and other stakeholders, in their general news sections.
- Prince Tinubu, as the current President of Nigeria, may be invited for meetings or requested to speak about his support for religious affairs and initiatives, such as the Hajj, considering his consistent backing of NAHCON's Chairman, as expressed in the announcement.
- In light of the growing Hajj-related discussions, various public figures, experts, and interest groups may express their opinions on the announced fare and the overall management of the pilgrimage in the realm of the 'Naija' community and beyond.
