Tinubu Orders Reduction of 2026 Hajj Fare as Naira Strengthens

By: Aremu Toyeebaht

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed an immediate review and reduction of the 2026 Hajj fare to reflect the recent appreciation of the naira against the US dollar, one of the major factors determining the pilgrimage cost.

Vice President Kashim Shettima conveyed the directive on Friday during a meeting with the management and board of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) at the Presidential Villa, Abuja. He gave the commission two days to present a new and more affordable fare structure.

According to a statement by Stanley Nkwocha, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications (Office of the Vice President), Shettima said the directive was part of efforts to ensure that Nigerian pilgrims benefit directly from the impact of ongoing economic reforms, particularly the stronger value of the naira.

He urged NAHCON, state governments and other stakeholders to work together in harmonising the revised fare and ensuring smooth coordination for the 2026 Hajj.

Shettima also stressed the need for prompt payments and remittances to the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to facilitate a seamless pilgrimage process.

Speaking after the meeting, Deputy Chief of Staff to the President, Senator Ibrahim Hadeija, said the review was necessary in light of the improved exchange rate.

“Rates have continued to improve steadily with the appreciation of the naira, based on the effects of government reforms. If pilgrims paid N8.5 million to N8.6 million last year due to a weaker exchange rate, the improvement in the economy should now reflect in the new fares. The Vice President made it clear that the benefits of the stronger naira must be passed on to the pilgrims,” Hadeija explained.

Reacting to the development, NAHCON Secretary, Dr. Mustapha Mohammad, welcomed the President’s directive, describing it as timely and beneficial for intending pilgrims.

“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 between today and tomorrow to reduce the cost to the barest minimum and make it affordable for every Muslim,” he said.

The move comes as part of the administration’s broader economic strategy aimed at easing the financial burden on citizens and ensuring that the gains of the naira’s recovery are felt across all sectors.