NAHCON Warns Late Payment of 2026 Hajj Fares May Affect Accommodation in Mecca and Medina

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has raised concerns that delays in the payment of 2026 Hajj fares by intending pilgrims could hinder the commission’s ability to secure quality accommodations in Mecca and Medina.

The Chairman of NAHCON, Prof. Abdullahi Saleh-Usman, made this known on Wednesday in Katsina during a courtesy visit to Governor Dikko Radda, Chairman of the North-West Governors Forum. He appealed for the governor’s support in ensuring that intending pilgrims make early payments.

Prof. Saleh-Usman highlighted the commission’s recent achievements under President Bola Tinubu, citing the presidential subsidy granted for the 2024 Hajj as a major success.

“Due to the impact of forex fluctuations, President Tinubu approved a ₦90 billion intervention fund for the 2024 Hajj, easing the burden of increased rates on pilgrims. He also approved an additional ₦24 billion to settle debts owed to 2023 Hajj airlines, saving carriers from collapse. Furthermore, the Federal Government intervened in negotiations, enabling airlines to accept local currency and shielding pilgrims from forex shocks” he said.

The NAHCON boss added that the Federal Government suspended the Central Bank’s proposed policy requiring Basic Travel Allowance (BTA) payments via credit cards, a move he said would have negatively affected Nigerian pilgrims due to inadequate sensitisation.

He also noted that NAHCON had expanded the Hajj Saving Scheme by partnering with more banks, allowing intending pilgrims, especially youth and low-income earners, to save gradually.

“In line with the administration’s anti-corruption drive, NAHCON refunded ₦5.3 billion to state pilgrim welfare boards for unprovided services during the 2023 Hajj. This restored public confidence, promoted transparency, and reinforced accountability in Hajj management” he said.

Other reforms, according to Saleh-Usman, include securing Tent A+ facilities for VIPs to reduce stress and renegotiating contracts with service providers, which lowered the 2025 Hajj fares by aligning services with the actual registered figure of 52,544 pilgrims, instead of the earlier projected 95,000.

Responding, Governor Radda pledged to partner with NAHCON to drive public awareness campaigns on early payment for the 2026 Hajj. He directed the Katsina State Ministry for Religious Affairs and the Pilgrims Welfare Board to intensify sensitisation efforts.

The governor also urged clerics across the state to use sermons and teachings to educate worshippers on the importance of timely registration.