The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Professor Abdullahi Saleh Usman, has returned from an emergency trip to Saudi Arabia with what he described as “results, not promises,” outlining several key achievements aimed at improving services for Nigerian pilgrims in the 2026 Hajj.
Speaking during a press briefing held in Kano on Friday, 3rd October 2025, the NAHCON Chairman expressed appreciation to members of the press for their continued support and partnership, noting that their role remains essential in promoting accurate information about the Commission’s activities.
Prof. Usman explained that his trip was undertaken to secure better service arrangements and ensure early preparations for the 2026 Hajj. He highlighted that the Commission had taken bold steps in negotiations with Saudi partners and Nigerian stakeholders to reduce costs and enhance the overall experience for pilgrims.
According to him, one of the major outcomes of the visit was the successful negotiation of a ₦200,000 reduction per pilgrim in service costs. He noted that this achievement aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and reflects NAHCON’s commitment to making Hajj more affordable for Nigerian Muslims.
The Chairman further revealed that NAHCON had finalized the signing of key service agreements, including the Masha’ir services contract with Mashariq Zahbiyya Company and the transportation contract with Dalilil Ma’alim Company. Both companies, he said, were carefully selected for their efficiency and strong performance records in previous operations.
Commenting on preparations in Madinah, Prof. Usman disclosed that the Commission had concluded contracts for accommodation and feeding, securing quality hotels in the Markaziyya area at competitive rates. He also confirmed that NAHCON had deepened its engagement with the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, guided by lessons learned from the 2025 Hajj exercise.
As part of early preparations, NAHCON has inaugurated the 2026 Hajj Tour Operators Screening Committee to ensure that only qualified and compliant operators serve Nigerian pilgrims. Additionally, extensive staff training programmes have commenced to strengthen the capacity and efficiency of the Commission’s workforce.
For the first time, Hajj fares were announced early to give intending pilgrims ample time to pay. The approved fares are as follows:
- Maiduguri–Yola Zone: ₦8,118,333.67
- Other Northern States: ₦8,244,813.67
- Southern States: ₦8,561,013.67
Prof. Usman emphasized the importance of the two payment deadlines:
- 50% remittance by 8th October 2025 for all State Pilgrims’ Welfare Boards
- Full payment by 31st December 2025
These deadlines, he explained, are key to securing early bookings, strong contracts, and smooth logistics for the 2026 Hajj operation.
Turning to the media, the Chairman appealed for continued professionalism and cooperation, describing journalists as “partners in progress.” He urged them to always verify information directly from NAHCON before publication.
“Anytime you need information, come to our internal media unit or my office,” he said. “Do not rely on hearsay. We must protect the integrity of this Commission and the Muslim Ummah it serves.”
Prof. Usman concluded the briefing by thanking the press for honoring the invitation and reaffirmed NAHCON’s commitment to transparency and collaboration throughout the 2026 Hajj preparations and operations.
“We are here to work with you at every step,” he stated. “Our goal is to give Nigerian pilgrims the best possible experience, from home to the Holy Land and back.”
