The Chairman of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Professor Abdullahi Saleh Usman, has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Vice President Senator Kashim Shettima for their significant efforts in ensuring Nigerian pilgrims benefit from a reduction in the cost of the 2026 Hajj pilgrimage.
Speaking to journalists at the Malam Aminu Kano International Airport upon his return from Saudi Arabia, Professor Abdullahi noted that the Nigerian government played a crucial role in negotiating with service providers to secure more favorable deals for Nigerian pilgrims.
Last week, the NAHCON chairman, alongside his commissioners, representatives of the board, and leaders of State Pilgrims’ Welfare Boards, embarked on a series of meetings in Saudi Arabia. The discussions culminated in agreements with Mashariq Al Dhahabiyya, which will provide services to Nigerian pilgrims at the holy sites (Masha’ir), and Daleel Al Maaleem, which will handle transport arrangements. Agreements were also signed with accommodation and catering providers in Madinah to ensure suitable housing and meals for pilgrims.
Before finalizing these contracts, Professor Abdullahi and his team strongly cautioned all service providers to ensure Nigerian pilgrims receive the same quality of service as pilgrims from other countries.
The delegation also paid a courtesy visit to the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, where they briefed officials on Nigeria’s preparations for the upcoming pilgrimage. In response, the Director-General of Hajj Affairs, Abdallah Al-Shehri, acknowledged Nigeria’s proactive steps but stressed the need for strict compliance with timelines and regulations, warning that no exceptions would be granted this year.
Meanwhile, NAHCON has officially announced the 2026 Hajj fare for Nigerian pilgrims as follows:
- N8,118,333.67 for pilgrims from the Northeast (Maiduguri, Yobe, Adamawa, Taraba)
- N8,244,813.67 for pilgrims from other Northern states
- N8,561,013.67 for pilgrims from Southern states
The Commission has urged all intending pilgrims to complete their payments by the end of December 2025 to ensure timely preparations in accordance with Saudi guidelines.
