The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria has expressed concerns over the delayed payment of 2026 Hajj fares by intending pilgrims. According to the commission’s chairman, Prof. Abdullahi Saleh-Usman, this delay may hinder efforts to secure accommodations at better locations in Mecca and Medina.
Prof. Saleh-Usman made this statement during a courtesy visit to Katsina State Governor Dikko Radda, where he sought the governor’s support in facilitating early payments. As the chairman of the North-West Governors Forum, Governor Radda’s assistance is crucial in encouraging pilgrims to pay their fares on time.
The commission has recorded notable successes under the current administration, particularly with regards to the 2024 Hajj exercise. President Bola Tinubu approved a N90 billion intervention fund to mitigate the impact of forex fluctuations on pilgrims. Additionally, the federal government intervened in negotiations with Hajj carriers, enabling them to accept local currency and shielding pilgrims from further forex shocks.
Other significant interventions include the suspension of credit card payments for Basic Travel Allowance and the expansion of the existing Hajj savings scheme. This scheme allows intending pilgrims to save gradually over time, easing financial burdens and promoting a culture of planning. The federal government also refunded N5.3 billion to state pilgrim welfare boards for unprovided services during the 2023 Hajj exercise, restoring public confidence and promoting transparency.
In an effort to reduce the 2025 Hajj fare, the commission amended its contract with Masharig AL-Dhahabia to align services with the actual number of registered pilgrims. This proactive adjustment prevented waste of funds and reduced the Hajj fare for pilgrims.
Governor Radda has assured the commission that he will work to educate the public on the importance of early payment of Hajj fares. The state’s Ministry for Religious Affairs and the Pilgrims Welfare Board have been directed to intensify sensitization campaigns, utilizing all available communication channels to reach intending pilgrims across the state. Ulamas have also been urged to remind worshippers in their communities about the need for timely registration.
