Independent Hajj Reporters
The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has been called upon to direct state pilgrims’ boards to stop imposing multiple and unjustified fees on intending pilgrims, following recent developments in Ogun State.
Earlier this week, the Ogun State Muslim Pilgrims Board announced additional charges totaling ₦45,200 for 2026 Hajj pilgrims. The breakdown included: Application Form – ₦20,050; Screening Form – ₦2,550; Medical Fitness Certificate – ₦2,550; and Medical Screening – ₦20,050. These fees are in addition to the approved Hajj fare of ₦7,991,500.
A review of the 2026 Hajj fare template shows that many of these items have already been included in the official fare. Pilgrims have previously paid ₦5,000 each as NAHCON and state administrative charges, ₦1,000 for registration forms, ₦10,000 for enlightenment programs, ₦15,000 for medical services, and ₦5,000 each for security and transportation.The duplicative nature of the extra fees raises concerns. For instance, why are pilgrims being charged ₦20,050 for medical screening after already paying ₦15,000 for medical services? Similarly, why is an additional ₦20,050 charged for application forms when ₦1,000 has already been paid for registration? The issue is not limited to Ogun State, as reports suggest other states may also be imposing unannounced charges under different pretexts.
Independent Hajj Reporters has warned that these practices place unnecessary financial burdens on pilgrims, especially at a time when the official Hajj fare is already substantial. Such duplications undermine transparency and contradict the intent of the fare structure issued by NAHCON. As the regulatory authority for the Hajj in Nigeria, NAHCON is expected to intervene immediately. States should be required to submit any additional charges for scrutiny and approval before implementation. While some operational costs may fall outside the fare template, they should be minimal, justified, and must not duplicate fees already collected.
NAHCON’s mandate includes licensing, regulating, supervising, and overseeing all organizations and sub-national bodies involved in the Hajj industry. In 2016, the Commission summoned executive secretaries and finance directors of state Muslim Pilgrims Boards to clarify and justify any additional fees before approval, demonstrating the application of Section 4 (a–c) of its Establishment Act 2006. Pilgrims deserve fairness, transparency, and protection from avoidable financial burdens. NAHCON’s prompt action is critical to ensuring accountability and preserving public trust in Nigeria’s Hajj administration.
