The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has warned that delayed payment of 2026 Hajj fares by intending pilgrims could hinder early booking of prime accommodation in Mecca and Medina.
Chairman of the Commission, Prof. Abdullahi Saleh-Usman, raised the concern on Wednesday during a courtesy visit to Katsina State Governor, Dikko Radda, who also chairs the North-West Governors’ Forum.
He appealed for the governor’s support in mobilising early payments, stressing that timely action ensures pilgrims’ comfort and reduces costs.
Highlighting past interventions, Saleh-Usman said President Bola Tinubu approved a ₦90bn subsidy for the 2024 Hajj and ₦24bn settlement for 2023 airline debts, which saved carriers from collapse. He added that government negotiations enabled airlines to accept naira, protecting pilgrims from forex shocks.
Other achievements, he said, include suspending CBN’s credit-card-based BTA policy, expanding the Hajj Savings Scheme, and refunding ₦5.3bn for unprovided services during the 2023 exercise.
He noted that contract adjustments for the 2025 Hajj, which aligned services with the actual number of registered pilgrims, helped cut costs and reduced fares.
In response, Governor Radda pledged to back NAHCON’s sensitisation drive and directed the state’s Ministry for Religious Affairs and Pilgrims Welfare Board to intensify awareness campaigns. He also urged Ulamas to use sermons to remind worshippers of the need for timely registration.
Why early Hajj fare payment matters
- Better Accommodation: Early payment secures hotels closer to the Haram in Mecca and Medina.
- Lower Costs: Timely contracts help reduce fare hikes caused by forex fluctuations.
- Smooth Logistics: Flights, feeding, and transport arrangements are finalised without last-minute pressure.
- Pilgrim Comfort: Prevents overcrowding in substandard facilities.
- Transparency & Planning: Ensures NAHCON can negotiate better deals and avoid waste.
