NAHCON SLASHES 2026 HAJJ FARE TO N8.2M — PILGRIMS TO PAY N200,000 LESS THAN LAST YEAR

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has officially announced the 2026 Hajj fare, pegging the cost at an average of N8.2 million for intending pilgrims across the country — a reduction of about N200,000 from the 2025 rates.

In a statement issued on Saturday, NAHCON revealed a zonal breakdown of the fares: pilgrims departing from the Maiduguri-Yola Zone (covering Yobe, Borno, Adamawa, and Taraba States) will pay N8,118,333.67, while those from other Northern States will pay N8,244,813.67. Intending pilgrims from the Southern States will, however, pay the highest, at N8,561,013.67.

The Commission explained that the revised fare followed wide consultations with stakeholders, including the Forum of States’ leadership, and was approved by the Federal Government.

Prof. Abdullahi Sale Usman, Chairman and CEO of NAHCON, stressed that the reduction reflects the Commission’s commitment to easing the financial burden on Nigerian pilgrims.

> “Compared to what was charged last year, each pilgrim will be paying about two hundred thousand naira less for the 2026 Hajj exercise. This is the outcome of our negotiations and cost-saving measures,” Usman stated.
Meanwhile, a NAHCON delegation currently in Saudi Arabia has finalized agreements with the 2026 Hajj Service Provider Company (Mashareeq Al-Zahabiyya) and the Transportation Company (Daleel Al-Ma’aleem) to ensure seamless service delivery for Nigerian pilgrims.

NAHCON has urged all intending pilgrims to complete their payments on or before 31st December, 2025, to secure their slots.

The announcement comes at a time when the cost of foreign exchange and economic realities have heightened concerns about affordability. With the revised fare, many prospective pilgrims see this as a rare relief ahead of the sacred journey to the Holy Land.