Nura Bala Ajingi, Kano
The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has announced reduction of ₦19 billion in the cost of services for the forthcoming 2026 Hajj exercise, following successful negotiations with Saudi authorities.
The reduction, which amounts to about ₦200,000 per pilgrim seat, was achieved after NAHCON formally appealed to the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah to review the service charges for Nigerian pilgrims in both Makkah and Madinah.
NAHCON Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Professor Abdullahi Sale Pakistan, disclosed this while briefing journalists in Kano, saying the move was aimed at easing the financial burden on intending pilgrims.
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According to him, the Commission has directed all State Pilgrims Welfare Boards to pay at least 50 percent of their pilgrims’ deposits by October 8, 2025, while full payment must be completed by December 31, 2025, in line with the Saudi Hajj and Umrah guidelines.
Professor Sale Pakistan explained that the reduction was part of the outcome of NAHCON’s recent visit to Saudi Arabia, where discussions centered on the successes and challenges recorded during the 2025 Hajj, as well as new measures for the 2026 exercise.
He said Saudi authorities have made it clear that no country will be granted an extension beyond the official deadlines, emphasizing the need for early preparation and prompt payment by Nigerian pilgrims.
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During the visit, NAHCON also renewed agreements with key service providers, including Mashariq Dhahabiyya and Daleel Alma’aleem in Makkah, and other catering and transport companies in Madinah.
The Commission, he said, is equally planning additional staff training to ensure a more efficient and seamless Hajj operation in 2026.
The NAHCON boss commended journalists for their support and described them as key partners in the success of Hajj operations. He urged media practitioners to always verify information through NAHCON’s Public Affairs Department to avoid spreading unverified reports or rumors.
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He also called on all staff of the Commission and the Muslim Ummah to fear Allah, remain united, and give NAHCON maximum support in fulfilling its mandate of helping Muslims perform one of the five pillars of Islam with dignity and ease.
Giving an update on the Hajj fare, Prof. Sale Pakistan said intending pilgrims from Maiduguri and Yola zones will pay ₦8,118,000, those from other northern states will pay ₦8,244,000, while southern pilgrims are to pay ₦8,561,000.
The rates, he noted, are based on an exchange rate of ₦1,550 per U.S. dollar.
He further assured that any surplus funds realized after the exercise will be refunded to pilgrims, as was done after the 2025 Hajj operations.
“We remain committed to transparency and accountability in all our dealings. If there are excess funds after the Hajj, every pilgrim will get their refund as we did last year,” Prof. Sale Pakistan emphasized.
