NAHCON Sets N8.5m Provisional Deposit for 2026 Hajj

NAHCON Sets N8.5m Provisional Deposit for 2026 Hajj

By Abiola Adigun

The journey to the 2026 Hajj has already begun, and for Nigerian intending pilgrims, the first major announcement is out: a provisional deposit of N8.5 million has been agreed as the tentative fare.
The figure, announced by the Chairman/CEO of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Prof. Abdullahi Usman, followed a post-Hajj strategic review meeting with Chairmen and Secretaries of State Pilgrims’ Welfare Boards in Abuja.
According to NAHCON, the N8.5 million deposit is a provisional benchmark—not the final fare—pending negotiations with service providers in Saudi Arabia and other stakeholders.
Nigeria has retained its 95,000 Hajj slots for 2026, with state-by-state allocations unchanged from 2025. This means many challenges of logistics, airlift, and pilgrims’ welfare will again need careful planning.
Prof. Usman acknowledged the delicate balance of managing Hajj finances, particularly in the face of fluctuating exchange rates. He praised the Federal Government for cushioning pilgrims from forex shocks during the last exercise. One key intervention was allowing Hajj carriers to accept payments in Naira, sparing pilgrims the burden of volatile dollar conversions.
Another policy reversal that drew applause was the Central Bank’s suspension of its credit card-only requirement for Basic Travel Allowance (BTA). “Had that policy stayed, many pilgrims would have been stranded, especially those in rural areas with limited access to banking services,” Usman explained.
For state pilgrims’ welfare boards, the conversation was not just about fares and slot allocations. Leaders pushed NAHCON to improve its communication and coordination mechanisms.
Alhaji Idris Almakura, Executive Secretary of the Nasarawa State Pilgrims’ Board and Chairman of the Forum of States’ Secretaries, urged NAHCON to prioritise timely clarifications and reconciliations. “We must settle all pending matters from the 2025 Hajj quickly, so we can move into 2026 without baggage,” he said.
Operational issues also featured prominently. Prince Anofiu Elegushi, NAHCON’s Commissioner for Operations, opened discussions on whether to roll over contracts for the four airlines used in 2025. The argument, he said, is about timing. Saudi Arabia’s tight calendar and Nigeria’s bureaucratic processes often leave the country scrambling to secure airlift slots. “Rolling over contracts may allow us to book early and avoid last-minute hiccups,” he suggested.
On planning, Prof. Abubakar Yagawal, Commissioner for Planning, Research and Statistics, Information and Library Services (PRSILS), presented the draft 2026 Hajj Calendar, setting the tone for structured early preparations.
Throughout the deliberations, NAHCON leadership repeatedly acknowledged the role of President Bola Tinubu’s administration in backing Nigerian pilgrims. From forex reliefs to policy waivers, the government’s interventions helped smoothen aspects of the 2025 operations, despite the usual challenges of feeding, accommodation, and transport in Saudi Arabia.
Yet, as several participants noted, pilgrims’ expectations remain high. Beyond policy announcements and fare negotiations, what matters most to many Nigerians is the quality of their spiritual journey—from departure halls at home to the sacred sites in Makkah and Madinah.
For now, the N8.5 million deposit offers intending pilgrims a figure to work with, but the final fare will depend on months of negotiations with airlines, caterers, accommodation providers, and Saudi authorities.
With Nigeria’s 95,000 pilgrims quota intact, the next Hajj will once again test the country’s ability to combine faith, finance, and logistics in one of the world’s largest annual religious gatherings.