NAHCON Announces Reduction in 2026 Hajj Fares

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has announced a downward review of the 2026 Hajj fares for intending pilgrims across the country, following a directive from President Bola Tinubu to make the pilgrimage more affordable for Nigerian Muslims.

The directive, issued in October 2025 through the Deputy Chief of Staff to the President, Senator Ibrahim Hadeija, came after widespread concern over the initial fares released by the Commission in September.

In a statement posted on its official X (formerly Twitter) handle on Monday, NAHCON confirmed that the adjustments cut across all geopolitical zones.

Zonal Breakdown of New Fares

According to the revised rates, intending pilgrims from:

• Borno and Adamawa Zones will now pay ?7,579,020.96, down from ?8,327,125.59 in 2025 — a reduction of ?748,104.63.
• Northern Zone pilgrims will pay ?7,696,769.76, representing a ?760,915.83 decrease from the ?8,457,685.59 charged last year.
• Southern Zone pilgrims will pay ?7,991,141.76, marking a ?792,943.83 reduction from the previous ?8,784,085.59.

NAHCON said the new rates were designed to ease the financial burden on intending pilgrims and encourage broader participation in the 2026 Hajj exercise.

New Payment Deadline Announced

The Commission also announced December 5, 2025, as the new deadline for all Hajj payments.

“Intending pilgrims are advised to complete their payments on or before the stated deadline to ensure smooth processing and participation in the 2026 Hajj,” the statement read.

NAHCON further urged prospective pilgrims to visit its official website — www.nahcon.gov.ng — for more information and updates regarding the pilgrimage.

Background

The downward review follows President Tinubu’s earlier instruction to the Commission to reconsider the cost structure amid concerns over rising living costs and foreign exchange fluctuations affecting travel expenses.

The Commission’s decision has been widely welcomed within the Muslim community as a timely intervention aimed at ensuring inclusivity and fairness in access to the annual pilgrimage to Mecca.