President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has ordered an immediate review and reduction of the 2026 Hajj fares.
Following the directive, Vice President Kashim Shettima has given the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) two days to present new, affordable fare options.
Shettima, who conveyed the President’s instruction during a meeting with NAHCON management and board members at the Presidential Villa on Monday, said the review was necessary in light of the naira’s continued appreciation against the dollar, a key determinant in Hajj pricing.
He emphasised the need for synergy among federal and state officials, including governors, to ensure the new fares are swiftly agreed upon and implemented. The vice president also called on stakeholders to expedite payments and remittances to the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to guarantee a smooth and timely exercise.
Speaking after the meeting, Deputy Chief of Staff to the President, Ibrahim Hadeija, said the objective is to make the pilgrimage more affordable for intending pilgrims, reflecting the positive effects of ongoing economic reforms.
“The vice president noted that if pilgrims paid around ₦8.5 million to ₦8.6 million last year when the exchange rate was unfavorable, the current appreciation of the naira should translate into lower fares. The commissions have been directed to work with more realistic exchange rates, and we expect a significant reduction in the overall cost,” Hadeija explained.
Secretary of NAHCON, Mustapha Mohammad, welcomed the directive, noting that the fare reduction would allow more Muslims to participate in the pilgrimage.
“It is a welcome development. The lower the Hajj fare, the better for Muslim faithful intending to perform Hajj. As directed by the vice president, we will work tirelessly to reduce it to the most affordable rate possible,” he said.
Also reacting, Chairman of the Kebbi State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board and Deputy Chairman of the Forum of Chief Executives of the 36 states and FCT pilgrims’ boards, Faruk Aliyu Yaro, commended the intervention.
“We are very happy because the president and vice president have already intervened. Their decision is expected to bring down the cost of the Hajj fare, and we are grateful,” he said.
Source: X | stanleynkwocha
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