By Ibrahim Muhammad
The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) on Saturday announced the approved fares for the 2026 Hajj, with Southern pilgrims expected to pay N8,561,013.67, Northern pilgrims N8,244,813.67, and those from Borno, Yobe, and Adamawa States N8,118,333.67.
The commission explained that the differences in fare stem from varying air ticket costs across departure zones. According to NAHCON, the fares were finalized after consultations with the Forum of State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Boards.For context, in 2025 Northern pilgrims paid N8,457,685.59, Southern pilgrims N8,784,085.59, and pilgrims from the Borno axis N8,327,125.59. The new structure reflects a reduction of about N218,000 to N220,000 compared to 2025, a commendable feat. While the early announcement allows intending pilgrims to plan adequately, key questions remain:
– Has NAHCON finalized accommodation costs in Makkah and Madinah?
– Are catering service fees fixed?
– Have airlines agreed to maintain or adjust ticket prices?
Notably, compared to the 2024 Hajj—when Southern pilgrims paid N4,899,000, Northern pilgrims N4,699,000, and those in Yola and Maiduguri N4,679,000 (excluding a federal subsidy of N90 billion, worth about N1 million per pilgrim)—the 2026 fare shows a steep increase of about N3.6 million. The 2025 Hajj fare template included 25 services, with 11 pegged at an exchange rate of N1,600 to $1, despite the forex market standing at N1,520 at the time. This discrepancy raised concerns about inflated costing.
Crrently, the dollar exchange rate is N1,492 to $1, lower than last year’s rate. In 2025, each pilgrim received $500 as Basic Travel Allowance (BTA), paid at N800,000. The total dollar component of the 2025 Hajj was $4,622. At today’s exchange rate, this would translate to N6,872,266.92. Adding the domestic component of N36,000 (covering NAHCON administrative charges, development levy, uniforms, yellow card, state admin fees, and registration forms), the 2026 Hajj fare should logically amount to about N6,893,398. Unless NAHCON adopts a higher anticipatory exchange rate, as it did last year, the published 2026 fares appear overstated.
This analysis, based on past fare templates and exchange rate data, suggests that the realistic Hajj fare for 2026 should be approximately N6.8 million. Ibrahim Muhammad is the National Coordinator, Independent Hajj Reporters (IHR).
