Tinubu Hajj Fare Reduction targets lower 2026 pilgrimage costs as President orders NAHCON to revise fares, citing naira’s appreciation and economic reforms.
Tinubu Hajj Fare Reduction is now underway as President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has ordered an immediate downward review of the 2026 Hajj fare, following the recent appreciation of the naira against the US dollar.
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Vice President Kashim Shettima conveyed the directive on Monday during a meeting with the management and board of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
According to a statement by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications (Office of the Vice President), Stanley Nkwocha, the President’s decision aims to ensure Nigerian pilgrims benefit directly from ongoing economic reforms that have stabilised the naira.
Shettima gave NAHCON a strict 48-hour deadline to present a revised, affordable fare structure that reflects the improved exchange rate.
Last year, Nigerian pilgrims paid between ₦8.5 million and ₦8.6 million for the journey due to the weaker currency.
“The benefits of the stronger naira must be passed on to the pilgrims,” said Senator Ibrahim Hadeija, Deputy Chief of Staff to the President, while addressing journalists after the high-level meeting.
The Tinubu Hajj Fare Reduction is expected to ease the financial burden on thousands of intending pilgrims and encourage wider participation in the 2026 spiritual journey to Saudi Arabia.
Shettima also called for greater collaboration between NAHCON, state pilgrims’ boards, and the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to ensure prompt payments and smooth coordination.
NAHCON Secretary, Dr Mustapha Mohammad, welcomed the directive. “The lower the Hajj fare, the better for Muslim faithful intending to perform Hajj. We will work tirelessly to reduce the cost to the barest minimum,” he said.
Alhaji Faruk Aliyu Yaro, Chairman of the Kebbi State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, also commended the intervention.
“We are very happy with this move. It shows the President and Vice President are truly listening,” he stated.
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The revised fares are expected to be finalised within two days, marking a significant development in the Tinubu administration’s effort to translate economic gains into real-world relief for citizens.
