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In response to President Bola Tinubu’s directive to immediately review the 2026 Hajj prices, Vice President Kashim Shettima has instructed the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) to propose new pricing for the pilgrimage within the next two days.
According to the Vice President, this decision has become essential due to the ongoing strengthening of the naira against the dollar, a key factor in determining pilgrimage costs.
During a meeting with NAHCON management and board members at the Presidential Villa on Monday, VP Shettima emphasised the need for collaboration among national and state authorities, including state Governors, to establish and agree on a revised fare structure for the pilgrimage.
He also called for swift action from all parties involved to ensure prompt payments and timely remittances to the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), aiming for a smooth pilgrimage experience.
Rates have continued to improve steadily, with the naira appreciating based on the effects of the economic reforms of the government.
The vice president felt that if pilgrims paid ₦8.5 million to ₦8.6 million based on the negative exchange rate last year, and the exchange rate has improved, then the changes should be reflected in the current fares, and the benefits should also be passed to the prospective pilgrims.
When asked by reporters after the meeting, Senator Ibrahim Hadeija, the Deputy Chief of Staff to the President, clarified that the purpose of the vice president’s meeting was to finalise preparations for the 2026 Hajj operations, especially the setting of pilgrimage fares.
He noted that the intention is to lower the costs for pilgrims in light of current economic trends resulting from the ongoing reforms by the Tinubu administration.
In addition, Dr Mustapha Mohammad, Secretary of the National Hajj Commission, stated that the president’s instruction would lead to an increase in the number of prospective pilgrims.
