In a significant policy directive that has attracted widespread public attention, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has ordered the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) to urgently review and reduce the 2026 Hajj fares. This move follows the steady appreciation of the naira against the US dollar, which has provided the government with a fresh opportunity to ease the financial burden on intending Muslim pilgrims.
The directive was made public on Monday, October 6, 2025, during a meeting held at the Presidential Villa, Abuja. Deputy Chief of Staff to the President, Senator Ibrahim Hadeija, confirmed the development, stressing that the President wants the Hajj fares to reflect the new and more favourable exchange rate.
💰 Original Hajj Fares Sparked Public Outcry
Earlier in the year, NAHCON had fixed the 2026 Hajj fares at rates many Nigerians described as “exorbitant.” According to the original announcement, intending pilgrims were expected to pay:
These rates were calculated based on an exchange rate of about ₦1,550 per US dollar, reflecting the weaker position of the naira at the time. For many intending pilgrims, the costs were simply unaffordable, especially amid rising inflation, fuel price hikes, and a generally tough economic climate.
The fares immediately became a subject of public debate, with Islamic groups, community leaders, and political figures calling on the Federal Government to intervene. Many argued that the high rates would prevent lower-income Muslims from performing their religious obligations, effectively turning the Hajj into a privilege for only the wealthy.
📈 Stronger Naira Opens Door For Reduction
In recent weeks, the naira has recorded notable gains against major currencies, thanks to several economic policies implemented by the Tinubu administration, including tightened monetary measures by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and increased foreign exchange inflows.
As the naira improved, calls grew louder for NAHCON to revise the fares downward to reflect the changing economic reality. President Tinubu’s latest directive is seen as a response to these public demands.
According to Senator Ibrahim Hadeija, the review aims to bring the fares down to a more affordable level. Government sources suggest that the new expected fare range is between ₦7.6 million and ₦7.7 million, depending on the region. While this reduction may not be massive, it is still considered a relief for many Nigerians preparing for the 2026 pilgrimage.
🕌 Government Emphasises Timely Payments
The presidency also emphasized the importance of timely remittances by State Pilgrim Welfare Boards to NAHCON. This is to ensure that funds can be sent to the CBN early enough to enable the Commission to purchase foreign currency at more favourable rates.
Hadeija explained that delays in payments from state boards in previous years had often forced NAHCON to source dollars at higher parallel market rates, thereby increasing the overall cost of the pilgrimage packages. By ensuring prompt remittances, the government hopes to lock in cheaper rates and pass the savings directly to pilgrims.
✈️ Religious and Political Reactions
Reactions have been swift and mostly positive. Muslim groups and stakeholders have welcomed the directive, calling it a timely and sensitive decision that reflects the government’s responsiveness to citizens’ concerns.
The Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) praised the President for listening to the people, noting that the Hajj is not just a religious activity but also a key spiritual journey for millions of Muslims worldwide. Reducing the cost, the group said, will allow more Nigerians to fulfil one of the pillars of Islam.
Political analysts have also described the decision as strategically sound, coming at a time when the government is eager to build goodwill ahead of major political events in 2026 and beyond. By addressing an issue that touches on religion, economics, and public sentiment, the administration appears to be consolidating its relationship with the Muslim community.
📊 Next Steps: Awaiting Official Fare Release
NAHCON has been given a 48-hour deadline to complete the review and present new fare structures that reflect the improved exchange rate. Once approved, the new fares will be communicated to state boards and intending pilgrims across the country.
Observers note that while the reduction is a positive step, there is still a need for greater transparency in how fares are calculated. Civil society groups have urged NAHCON to publish detailed breakdowns of the costs involved, including flight tickets, accommodation, feeding, and administrative charges, to build public trust.
📝 Conclusion
President Tinubu’s directive to reduce the 2026 Hajj fares is a welcome relief for millions of Nigerian Muslims who have been anxious about the high cost of fulfilling their religious obligations. It reflects a more flexible and responsive governance approach, where economic realities are allowed to inform policy decisions.
As NAHCON prepares to unveil the revised fares, all eyes will be on how significantly the prices drop and whether the reduction will be enough to enable more Nigerians to participate in the pilgrimage. For now, the President’s intervention is being widely praised as a step in the right direction.
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