The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has announced a tentative fare of N8.5 million for the 2026 Hajj exercise, subject to final negotiations on service contracts.
This was disclosed in a statement issued on Thursday by the Commission’s Assistant Director of Information and Publication, Fatima Sanda Usara, following a post-Hajj review meeting with Chairmen and Secretaries of State Pilgrims’ Welfare Boards in Abuja.
The meeting, which focused on evaluating the 2025 Hajj operations and planning for the upcoming pilgrimage, also reaffirmed Nigeria’s retention of the 95,000 slots allocation from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for 2026. State allocations will remain unchanged, the statement added.
NAHCON Chairman, Professor Abdullahi Saleh Usman, expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for what he described as unwavering support to the Commission and Nigerian pilgrims.
He specifically lauded the Federal Government’s intervention, which enabled Hajj carriers to accept payment in naira, thereby insulating intending pilgrims from the volatility of foreign exchange.
As part of the preparations for the 2026 pilgrimage, Commissioner in charge of Planning, Research and Statistics, Information and Library Services (PRSILS), Prof. Abubakar Yagawal, led deliberations on the proposed Hajj calendar, while the Commissioner for Operations, Prince Anofiu Elegushi, oversaw discussions on operational strategies.
Prince Elegushi hinted at the possibility of rolling over contracts for the four airlines engaged during the 2025 Hajj, citing time constraints and procedural bottlenecks.
He explained that such a move would enable Nigeria to secure early booking of airlift slots in alignment with Saudi Arabia’s schedule and expectations.
The Commission emphasized that while the N8.5 million fare serves as a benchmark, the final cost may vary depending on currency exchange rates, airline negotiations, and other logistical considerations.
PLATFORM TIMES reports that NAHCON’s early move to announce a tentative fare underscores its effort to promote transparency, allow for timely planning by pilgrims, and avoid the challenges that marred previous Hajj arrangements.
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