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Anthony Ufoh
Pilgrimage fare to Saudi Arabia for Hajj has been reduced to N7.6 million by the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON).
According to the commission, the reduction was made following a statement by the Vice President, Kashim Shettima, for intending pilgrims in 2026 from N8.7 million for those from the south, while intending pilgrims from the north had theirs slashed from N8 million.
The statement noted that the revised figure would see N792,943.83 reduced from the initial 2025 Hajj fare, depending on the pilgrim’s departure zone.
The statement reads, “The largest reduction was recorded for pilgrims in the Southern Zone, where the fare has been reduced by N792,943.83. The revised cost for the Southern Zone now stands at N7,991,141.76, down from the previous N8,784,085.59.
“Pilgrims departing from the Northern Zone will see a reduction of N760,915.83, bringing the revised fare to N7,696,769.76. Meanwhile, the Borno and Adamawa Zone—which has the lowest fare nationally—has a new rate of N7,579,020.96, reflecting a saving of N748,104.63.”
The commission also issued an update regarding the financial timeline for the pilgrimage and urged all prospective pilgrims to make payment of their fare on 5th December 2025.
It added, “This date is critical for finalising preparations and securing slots for the 2026 exercise. The fare reduction is expected to be widely welcomed by Nigerian Muslims planning to perform the annual pilgrimage, making the journey more accessible.”
