The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) is expected to realise about N5.4 billion as service charges from the 2026 Hajj exercise, countering claims that the government does not benefit financially from the Hajj industry.
An analysis of the 2026 Hajj fare package shows that each Nigerian pilgrim is charged two per cent of the approved fare as a service fee payable to the CBN. With the Hajj fare fixed at about N7.6 million, each pilgrim is paying roughly N136,417 as service charge.
Based on an estimated 40,000 state pilgrims expected to participate in the 2026 Hajj, the total amount to be earned by the CBN is projected at about N5.3 billion. In dollar terms, the charge is put at $92.46 per pilgrim, amounting to approximately $3.7 million for the entire exercise.
During the 2025 Hajj, the CBN service charge stood at $90 per pilgrim, indicating a slight increase for the 2026 exercise.
It will be recalled that Independent Hajj Reporters had, in October last year, appealed to the federal government to waive the two per cent service charge, describing it as unnecessary. The group argued that the fee was being paid largely for the transfer of Hajj funds to NAHCON’s IBAN account in Saudi Arabia, thereby adding to the financial burden on pilgrims who already pay multiple charges to various government agencies.
Despite the appeal, there has been no official announcement of a waiver by either the CBN or the federal government. However, a source familiar with the matter told Hajj Reporters that discussions and appeals on the issue are still ongoing.
The continued collection of the service charge, observers say, further underscores that the Nigerian government derives financial benefits from the Hajj sector, contrary to portrayals of the pilgrimage as a purely cost-driven exercise with no economic gain.
