The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has announced a significant reduction in the cost of this year’s Hajj pilgrimage, citing major cost-cutting measures and renegotiated service contracts as key drivers.
According to NAHCON Chairman, the commission amended its contractual agreement with Saudi service provider, Mashariq Al-Dhahabia, to reflect the actual number of Nigerian pilgrims — 52,544 — instead of the initially projected 95,000. This adjustment helped eliminate unnecessary charges, reduce wastage, and save millions of naira in expenses.
“Our priority was to ensure that Nigerian pilgrims only pay for services they actually use. By aligning the contracts with the real figure of registered pilgrims, we successfully reduced the overall Hajj fare,” the Chairman explained.
The fare reduction is expected to ease financial burdens on intending pilgrims, many of whom had expressed concerns over rising travel costs and foreign exchange challenges.
Stakeholders have welcomed the development, describing it as a positive move towards greater accountability and transparency in Hajj management. Analysts also note that the savings could set a precedent for future negotiations, ensuring Nigerian pilgrims enjoy better value for money.
Meanwhile, NAHCON assured that despite the cost savings, the quality of services provided to pilgrims in Makkah, Madinah, and Mina would not be compromised, emphasizing its commitment to both affordability and comfort.
