The National Hajj Commission has raised concerns over delays in the payment of 2026 Hajj fares by intending pilgrims, warning that late payments could affect securing accommodations in prime locations in Mecca and Medina.
NAHCON Chairman, Prof. Abdullahi Saleh-Usman, made the remarks on Wednesday in Katsina, during a courtesy visit to Gov. Dikko Radda.
The visit aimed to seek the governor’s support, in his capacity as Chairman of the North-West Governors Forum, to encourage early payments.
Speaking on the successes of the commission under President Bola Tinubu, Saleh-Usman highlighted the presidential subsidy for the 2024 Hajj as a key achievement.
“Arising from the economic realities, especially the impact of Forex fluctuations, the President had graciously approved a N90 billion intervention fund for the 2024 Hajj, to ease the burden of the new rate on our pilgrims.
“He had also approved the intervention of N24 billion to settle outstanding payments to 2023 Hajj airlines, which ultimately saved our hajj carriers from imminent collapse.
“Additionally, the Federal Government intervened in the negotiation with Hajj carriers to accept local currency, thereby shielding the pilgrims from further forex shocks,” he explained.
The NAHCON chairman further highlighted the suspension of credit card payments of BTA as another major intervention.
He said, “The policy introduced by the Central Bank of Nigeria would not have been favourable to Nigerian pilgrims due to a lack of adequate sensitisation and awareness.
“The federal government, through NAHCON, has also expanded the existing Hajj saving scheme by engaging more banks, thereby allowing intending pilgrims to save gradually over time, easing the financial burden and creating a culture of planning.
“This is a legacy tool that will serve generations to come, especially our youth and low-income earners.
“In line with the present administration’s anti-corruption drive, NAHCON successfully refunded N5.3 billion to the states’ pilgrim welfare boards over the unprovided services during the 2023 Hajj exercise.
“This restored public confidence, promoted transparency, and reaffirmed accountability in Hajj management,” Saleh-Usman added.
He also noted NAHCON’s efforts to improve pilgrim comfort, saying, “Through a strategic partnership with service providers, NAHCON secured Tent ‘A+’, which significantly reduced stress and fatigue for VIPs.
“It’s to be noted that in an attempt to reduce the 2025 Hajj fare, NAHCON amended its contract with Masharig AL-Dhahabia to align services with the actual number of registered pilgrims (52,544), down from the initial projection of 95,000.
“This proactive adjustment prevented waste of funds as well as the reduction of Hajj fare for pilgrims.”
On his part, Gov. Radda assured the commission of his commitment to support efforts to educate the public on the importance of timely Hajj fare payments.
The governor directed the state Ministry for Religious Affairs and the Pilgrims Welfare Board to intensify sensitisation campaigns, using all available communication channels to reach intending pilgrims.
He also urged Ulamas to incorporate reminders in their sermons and teachings about early registration for the 2026 Hajj exercise.
