President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed an immediate review of the 2026 Hajj fares and instructed the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) to submit new, adjusted rates within two days.

The directive was conveyed on Monday by Vice President Kashim Shettima during a meeting with NAHCON’s management and board members at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

Shettima called for synergy among federal, state, and religious stakeholders, including state governors, to ensure that the revised fare structure reflects current economic realities. He also urged all concerned parties to guarantee prompt payments and timely remittances to the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to facilitate a seamless 2026 Hajj operation.

Speaking with journalists after the meeting, the Deputy Chief of Staff to the President, Senator Ibrahim Hadejia, explained that the session, convened at the Vice President’s instance, was aimed at finalising preparations for the 2026 Hajj, particularly the determination of fares.

According to him, the review is intended to reduce the financial burden on intending pilgrims, taking into account the recent economic improvements driven by the administration’s reforms.

“Rates have continued to improve steadily, with the naira appreciating due to ongoing reforms. The Vice President felt that if pilgrims paid ₦8.5 million to ₦8.6 million based on a weaker exchange rate last year, the new fares should reflect the current reality,” Hadejia said. “If we achieve what we envisage, there will be a very significant reduction in the Hajj cost.”

In response, NAHCON Secretary, Dr. Mustapha Mohammad, welcomed the President’s directive, describing it as a move that would encourage wider participation among Muslim faithful.

“The lower the Hajj fare, the better for Muslim faithful intending to perform Hajj. We will work tirelessly to reduce the fares to the barest minimum and make them affordable,” he said.

Also speaking, the Chairman of the Kebbi State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board and Deputy Chairman of the Forum of Chief Executives of 36 States and the FCT Pilgrims Boards, Alhaji Faruk Aliyu Yaro, commended the intervention.

“We are very happy because the President and Vice President have intervened. We thank God for what they have done, which is expected to bring down the cost of Hajj fare,” he said.

The directive reflects President Tinubu’s commitment to easing the financial responsibilities of Nigerian pilgrims and ensuring a more affordable and well-coordinated 2026 Hajj exercise.