The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) on Saturday announced that intending pilgrims for the 2026 Hajj will pay between N8.1 million and N8.56 million, depending on their location.
By Ibrahim Muhammad
The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) on Saturday announced that intending pilgrims for the 2026 Hajj will pay between N8.1 million and N8.56 million, depending on their location.
According to NAHCON, “Pilgrims from the South will pay N8,561,013.67, while those from the North are to pay N8,244,813.67. Pilgrims from the North-East axis (Borno, Yobe, Adamawa) will pay N8,118,333.67.”
While describing the reduction of about N220,000 compared to 2025 as commendable, Ibrahim Muhammad, National Coordinator of the Independent Hajj Reporters, argued that the actual fare should be closer to N6.8 million.
“The total US dollar component in the 2025 Hajj fare was $4,622. Converted at today’s exchange rate of N1,492 to $1, that amounts to N6,872,266.92. Adding the N36,000 local components gives a total of N6,893,398,” he said.
He raised critical questions: “Has NAHCON concluded the cost of pilgrims’ accommodation in Makkah and Madinah? Has catering been fixed? Have airlines agreed to stick to last year’s cost of tickets?”
The analyst further noted that while 2026 fares appear lower than those of 2025, they are still far higher than 2024 levels. “The 2026 fare carries assets compared to 2025, but it also represents liabilities when compared with 2024,” he observed.
Muhammad concluded by urging transparency: “My analysis may not be entirely accurate, but I want to be proved wrong. Nigerians deserve to know the exact breakdown, especially when exchange rates favour a lower cost.”