Hajj 2026: A Hopeful Beginning
By Suwaiba Ahmed
The Chairman of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Professor Abdullahi Saleh Usman, has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Vice President Senator Kashim Shettima for their significant efforts in ensuring Nigerian pilgrims benefit from a reduction in the cost of the 2026 Hajj pilgrimage.
Speaking to journalists at the Malam Aminu Kano International Airport upon his return from Saudi Arabia, Professor Abdullahi noted that the Nigerian government played a key role in negotiating with service providers to secure better deals for Nigerian pilgrims.
Last week, the NAHCON chairman, along with his commissioners, representative of board members and leaders of State Pilgrims’ Welfare Board visited Saudi Arabia for a series of meetings with service providers. These negotiations led to the signing of agreements with Mashariq Al Dhahabiyya, which will provide services to Nigerian pilgrims at the holy sites (Masha’ir), and Daleel Al Maaleem, for transport.
READ ALSO: The Non-Negotiable Necessity: Why Early payments of Hajj Fares is Crucial for Nigerian Pilgrims
The delegation also met with accommodation and catering providers in Madinah, who similarly signed agreements to provide housing and meals for Nigerian pilgrims.
Before formalizing any agreements, the NAHCON team, under Professor Abdullahi’s leadership, strongly cautioned all service providers to ensure that Nigerian pilgrims receive the same quality of service as pilgrims from other countries.
Furthermore, the NAHCON delegation paid a courtesy visit to the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, where they briefed officials on Nigeria’s preparations for the upcoming pilgrimage. In response, the Director-General of Hajj Affairs, Abdallah Al-Shehri, acknowledged Nigeria’s efforts but emphasized the importance of strict compliance with timelines and regulations, stating that there would be no exceptions this year.
Meanwhile, NAHCON has officially announced the 2026 Hajj fare for Nigerian pilgrims:
• Northeast Maiduguri, Yobe, Adamawa and Taraba will pay; N8,118,333.67
• Other Northern States will pay; N8,244,813.67
• While Southern States will pay; N8,561,013.67
The Commission has issued a strong appeal to all intending pilgrims to complete their payments by the end of December to ensure all preparations are finalized in line with Saudi guidelines.
Suwaiba Ahmed
Principal Information and Public Relations Officer
