Daud Olatunji
The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria has approved new fares for the 2027 pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia, with intending pilgrims from the Southern Zone required to pay ₦7.89m.
The commission also fixed December 2, 2026, as the final deadline for states to remit all Hajj fares, warning that there would be no extension.
Under the new fare structure, pilgrims departing through the Maiduguri/Yola zone will pay ₦7.57m, while those in the Northern Zone will pay ₦7.68m.
The Southern Zone has the highest fare at ₦7.89m.
NAHCON announced the fares in a circular issued by its management in Abuja on Friday, saying the rates were approved by the Federal Government after consultations with the Forum of State Muslim Pilgrims’ Welfare Boards and service providers in Saudi Arabia.
The commission said the fares were determined after considering prevailing exchange rates and the cost of services required for the 2027 pilgrimage.
According to NAHCON, the new charges were guided by the principles of transparency, cost-efficiency and the Federal Government’s commitment to the welfare of Nigerian pilgrims.
The commission urged intending pilgrims who had already deposited ₦5m to pay the outstanding balance to complete their registration.
It also directed new registrants to make payments through their respective State Muslim Pilgrims’ Welfare Boards, Agencies or Commissions, or through participating banks under the approved Hajj Savings Scheme.
Beyond the payment deadline, NAHCON said intending pilgrims must also meet a separate biometric registration deadline imposed in line with Saudi Arabia’s Hajj regulations.
The commission fixed September 26, 2026, as the final deadline for the complete upload of intending pilgrims’ biometric data on the Nusuk-Masar digital platform.
NAHCON stressed that the deadline was absolute, warning that failure by pilgrims to meet the requirement could affect their participation in the pilgrimage.
It further warned states that failure to remit the required funds by December 2 could lead to the forfeiture of their allocated Hajj slots.
The commission explained that timely remittance was critical because the synchronisation of pilgrims’ data and allocation of seats depended on states meeting the deadline.
NAHCON therefore advised state pilgrims’ welfare boards and intending pilgrims to begin preparations early and ensure that all financial and biometric requirements were completed before the respective deadlines.
The commission said the measures were necessary to ensure orderly planning and smooth participation in the 2027 Hajj.
The 2027 Hajj fares represent a significant financial commitment for Nigerian pilgrims, particularly those travelling from the Southern Zone, where the approved fare is ₦7.89m.
With the December 2 deadline now fixed, states and intending pilgrims have less than four months to complete the required payments and documentation ahead of the pilgrimage.
NAHCON said no extension would be granted after the deadline. Failure to comply, it warned, would result in the forfeiture of allocated Hajj slots.
'
'Do you want to share a story with us? Do you want to advertise with us? Do you need publicity for a product, service, or event? Contact us on WhatsApp +2348183319097 Email: platformtimes@gmail.com
We are committed to impactful investigative journalism for human interest and social justice. Your donation will help us tell more stories. Kindly donate any amount HERE
