Tinubu Orders Hajj Fare Reduction for 2026: A Renewed Hope for Nigerian Pilgrims
By Bala Salihu Dawakin Kudu – Democracy Newsline Newspaper
October 7th, 2025
In a move widely applauded by the Muslim community across Nigeria, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) to immediately review and reduce the announced 2026 Hajj fares, citing recent improvements in the country’s exchange rate and the need to alleviate the financial burden on intending pilgrims.
This directive was disclosed by the Deputy Chief of Staff to the President, Senator Ibrahim Hadeija, while addressing State House correspondents after a high-level meeting with NAHCON officials at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
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Speaking on behalf of the administration, Sen. Hadeija revealed that the decision stemmed from President Tinubu’s commitment to economic reform and his desire to ensure that its benefits reach everyday Nigerians — especially those fulfilling religious obligations like the Hajj pilgrimage.
> “This meeting was essentially called at the instance of His Excellency, the Vice-President, to look at the possibility of reducing the Hajj fare for the 2026 pilgrimage,” Hadeija said.
The Deputy Chief of Staff highlighted that over 95% of the Hajj fare components are foreign exchange-dependent, and the initially announced fares were based on a pessimistic exchange rate of N1,550 to the dollar. With the naira showing steady appreciation due to the government’s ongoing economic reforms, a reevaluation became imperative.
According to Hadeija, pilgrims who journeyed to Saudi Arabia for Hajj in 2025 paid between N8.5 million to N8.6 million, a rate heavily influenced by unfavorable market conditions at the time. However, with the current exchange rate trends showing improvement, the government believes there is room for a meaningful reduction.
> “If they (NAHCON) apply a more realistic exchange rate, we should be able to bring the Hajj fare to around N7.6 to N7.7 million,” Hadeija projected.
He noted that the final figure will be officially released within the next two days, contingent upon prompt remittances by State Muslim Pilgrim Welfare Boards.
Senator Hadeija emphasized the importance of swift remittances by pilgrims and their respective state boards to NAHCON, enabling the agency to promptly access foreign exchange from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).
> “The faster the pilgrims pay their fares and the money is remitted, the faster NAHCON can secure the needed dollars from CBN. This chain of efficiency will ensure that pilgrims benefit directly from the favorable exchange rate,” he added.
In his response, NAHCON Secretary, Dr. Mustapha Mohammad, lauded the directive as a “welcome development” that reflects the administration’s concern for the spiritual and financial welfare of Nigerian Muslims.
> “The lower the Hajj fare, the more Muslims will be able to afford this sacred journey. As directed by the Vice-President, we will work tirelessly between today and tomorrow to ensure we bring the fare to a level that makes the Hajj accessible to more Nigerians,” Dr. Mohammad assured.
He reaffirmed the commission’s readiness to review all components of the fare and collaborate closely with stakeholders to meet the new target.
A Nation Reclaiming Its Faith and Finances
The directive is part of a broader effort by the Tinubu-led administration to ensure that economic gains are translated into social and religious benefits for the citizenry. This move not only reduces financial pressure on intending pilgrims but also rekindles the hope of millions of Nigerian Muslims aspiring to fulfill one of Islam’s five pillars.
Already, reactions are pouring in from religious leaders, civil society groups, and Muslim organizations across the country, praising the President’s sensitivity to the needs of the Ummah.
In the coming days, the spotlight will remain on NAHCON as it races against time to finalize and announce the revised and reduced Hajj fare — a decision that may open the gates of the Holy Land to thousands more in 2026.
