Soliu Adewale
Intending Nigerian pilgrims for the 2026 Hajj have expressed growing frustration over the delay in the announcement of the revised Hajj fare, which many expect to be lower than the earlier approved rate.
The uncertainty follows President Bola Tinubu’s directive in September for an immediate review of the Hajj fares in line with the continued appreciation of the naira against the dollar, a key factor in the cost of pilgrimage. Vice President Kashim Shettima had subsequently instructed the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) to submit the new fare structure within two days.
Nearly two months later, intending pilgrims say they are still waiting.
“The time is running out fast. Why is #NAHCON delaying the announcement of the new fare?” asked Usman Aliyu, an intending pilgrim.
Another intending pilgrim, Yusha’u Ahmad, said, “It’s almost two months since the president gave the directive. I have been waiting to know if I can pay the reduced price.”
Abike Omowunmi, who also plans to perform #Hajj, added, “You people don’t want me to go for Hajj this year?”
Hajj Reporters gathered that less than 50 days remain before the closure of registration for the 2026 Hajj exercise. The delay in announcing the new fare has reportedly caused many intending pilgrims to withhold payments.
A former director of operations in the sector confirmed the development, noting, “Many intending pilgrims have stopped paying because they want to know the actual fare before committing their funds.”
Similarly, a member of the Kaduna Hajj Task Force, Alhaji Abdullahi Bayero, warned that the delay poses operational risks to state pilgrims’ boards.
“This uncertainty places the boards and agencies in a precarious position,” he said. “Most states rely heavily on pilgrims’ deposits to secure accommodation, transportation, and Masha’ir services in Saudi Arabia. Without these funds, they cannot meet payment obligations within the timeframe set by the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah.”
However, Hajj Reporters reports that the national Hajj commission of Nigeria along with the States Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Boards had met and forward a Hajj fare review proposal to the President for approval.
Stakeholders fear that continued delay in announcing the new Hajj fare may reduce the number of registered pilgrims and create financial and logistical challenges for Nigerian Hajj administrators and Saudi-based service providers.
