The National Hajj Commission (NAHCON) has expressed concerns over late payment of the 2026 Hajj fares by intending pilgrims across the country.
The Chairman of the commission, Prof. Abdullahi Saleh-Usman, expressed the concern while briefing newsmen shortly after meeting with Governor Dikko Radda, on Wednesday.
According to him, such delay in the payment of the Hajj fares can lead the commission not to secure accommodation for the pilgrims at better locations, both in Mecca and Madina.
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Saleh-Usman further revealed that his visit to the governor was to seek his support as the Chairman of the North-West governors forum, to facilitate for the early payment.
He also revealed the issue of presidential subsidy for 2024 Hajj Exercise, as one of the success recorded by the commission under President Bola Tinubu.
“Arising from the economic realities, especially the impact of Forex fluctuations, the President has graciously approved a N90 billion intervention fund for the 2024 Hajj, to ease the burden of the new rate on our dear pilgrims.
“He has also approved the intervention of N24 billion to settle outstanding payments to 2023 Hajj airlines, which ultimately save 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 said.
According to the NAHCON Chairman, another major intervention was the suspension of credit card payments of BTA by the pilgrims.
He said the policy introduced by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) wouldn’t have been favourable to Nigerian pilgrims due to 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 N5.3bn to the states pilgrim welfare board over the unprovided services during the 2023 hajj exercise.
“This restored public confidence, promoted transparency and reaffirmed accountability in Hajj management,” Saleh-Usman disclosed.
He added that through 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,” he stated.
He said Governor Radda expressed readiness to work with the commission to educate the public on the need for the early payment of Hajj fare.
