The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria has raised concerns about the delayed payment of 2026 Hajj fares by intending pilgrims. Chairman Prof. Abdullahi Saleh‑Usman warned that this postponement could impede efforts to secure better accommodations in Mecca and Medina. He voiced these concerns during a courtesy visit to Katsina State Governor Dikko Radda, seeking the governor’s support to encourage early payments. As chairman of the North‑West Governors Forum, Governor Radda’s assistance is crucial in motivating pilgrims to pay their fares on time.
Under the current administration, the commission has recorded notable successes, especially with the 2024 Hajj exercise. President Bola Tinubu approved a N90 billion intervention fund to mitigate the impact of foreign‑exchange fluctuations on pilgrims. The federal government also intervened in negotiations with Hajj carriers, allowing them to accept local currency and shielding pilgrims from further forex shocks. Additional measures included suspending credit‑card payments for the Basic Travel Allowance, expanding the existing Hajj savings scheme—enabling pilgrims to save gradually and ease financial burdens—and refunding N5.3 billion to state pilgrim welfare boards for unprovided services during the 2023 Hajj, thereby restoring public confidence and promoting transparency.
To reduce the 2025 Hajj fare, the commission amended its contract with Masharig Al‑Dhahabia, aligning services with the actual number of registered pilgrims. This proactive adjustment prevented waste of funds and lowered the fare for pilgrims. Governor Radda assured the commission that he will work to educate the public on the importance of early Hajj fare payments. He directed the state’s Ministry for Religious Affairs and the Pilgrims Welfare Board to intensify sensitisation campaigns, using all available communication channels to reach intending pilgrims across the state. Additionally, ulama have been urged to remind worshippers in their communities about the need for timely registration.
Comments are closed for this story.