By Mubarak Mahmood
The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria NAHCON has announced eight point five million naira as the tentative fare for the 2026 Hajj exercise.
This is contained in a statement by the Commission’s Assistant Director of Information and Publication, Fatima Sanda Usara, following a post Hajj strategic meeting held with Chairmen and Secretaries of State Pilgrims’ Welfare Boards in Abuja.
According to the statement, the fare, is subject to the final negotiations on all service contracts.
NAHCON also confirmed that Nigeria has retained its nine five thousand slot allocation from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, with state allocations remaining unchanged.
The Commission’s Chairman, Professor Abdullahi Saleh Usman, used the occasion to appreciate President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his continued support to Nigerian pilgrims, especially through key interventions including allowing Hajj carriers to accept Naira payments, shielding pilgrims from forex volatility.
The Commissioner for Planning and Research, Professor Abubakar Abubakar Yagawal, revealed the calendar for the 2026 hajj exercise while operational matters were handled by Commissioner Operations Prince Anofiu Elegushi citing that Nigeria will secure airlift slots ahead of time.
Elegushi raised the possibility of renewing contracts for the four airlines used in 2025, citing time constraints and Saudi Arabia’s strict planning requirements.
PR/MUBARAK