By Jabiru Hassan
The Independent Hajj Reporters (IHR) has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for directing the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) to reduce the 2026 Hajj fare for intending pilgrims.
The commendation followed a directive issued by the President through Vice President Kashim Shettima during a meeting with NAHCON’s management team on Monday in Abuja.
According to the Vice President, the downward review became necessary due to the continued appreciation of the naira against the US dollar, which serves as the primary determinant of Hajj costs.
In a statement signed by its National Coordinator, Ibrahim Mohammed, IHR described President Tinubu’s intervention as “most commendable,” adding that it demonstrates his responsiveness to the welfare of ordinary Nigerians.
“What the President has done is highly commendable and shows that, as he often says, he feels the pulse of ordinary citizens at all times,” the statement read.
The civil society organization noted that the decision aligns with its earlier assessment, which indicated that the previously announced N 8 million Hajj fare was too high and not reflective of current exchange rate realities.
IHR further appealed to the Federal Government to consolidate the President’s directive by instructing the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to provide a concessionary exchange rate for 2026 Hajj pilgrims.
“We appeal to President Tinubu to direct the CBN to peg the exchange rate for the 2026 Hajj at N1,000 to the US dollar,” the group said. “Given that about 85 percent of Hajj expenses are transacted in dollars, such a concession would significantly reduce the overall fare.”
The organization emphasized that implementing a concessionary rate would encourage more Nigerians to register for the pilgrimage and ensure that the country fully utilizes its allotted quota from Saudi authorities.
