He also said all intending pilgrims from the 17 states in the southern part of the country will pay N8,561,013.67.
However, Vice-President Kashim Shettima said on Monday that President Tinubu has given the commission and all stakeholders to work out a reduced rate for the pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia.
Shettima who met with management and board members of NAHCON at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, called for more synergy among the stakeholders, including state governors to quickly agree to a reduced fares.
He also urged prompt action by all stakeholders to ensure quick payments and timely remittances to the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to facilitate a hitch-free exercise.
Answering questions from journalists shortly after the meeting with the VP, Deputy Chief of Staff to the President, Senator Ibrahim Hadejia, said the meeting convened at the instance of the Vice President was to finalise preparations for the 2026 Hajj operations, particularly the determination of fares for the exercise.
He explained that the goal is to reduce the amount payable by pilgrims for the exercise, given the current trend in the economy occasioned by ongoing reforms being undertaken by the present administration.
He said, “Rates have continued to improve steadily, with the naira appreciating based on the effects of the economic reforms of the government.
The Vice President felt that if pilgrims paid ₦8.5 million to ₦8.6 million based on negative exchange rate last year, and the exchange rate has improved, then the changes should reflect in the current fares, and the benefits should also be passed to the prospective pilgrims.
“So, the commissions and all officers of the Hajj commission are here and they have been told to immediately go to look at more realistic exchange rates. If we achieve what we envisage, then we will have a very significant reduction in the Hajj.”
On his part, Secretary of the National Hajj commission, Dr Mustapha Mohammad, said the President’s directive would increase the number of intending pilgrims for this year’s exercise.
“It is a welcome development and the lower the Hajj fare, the better for Muslim faithful intending to perform Hajj. So, as directed by the Vice President, we will work tirelessly between today and tomorrow to see that we reduce it to the bearerest minimum and affordable rate for every Muslim faithful to have the opportunity to perform this very important pillar of Islam.”
Also, the Chairman, Kebbi State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board and Deputy Chairman, Forum of the Chief Executive of 36 and the FCT Chairmen of pilgrims Board, Alhaji Faruk Aliyu Yaro, expressed delight with the presidential directive.
“We are very happy because the President and the Vice President have already intervened. We thank God for what they have said, which is expected to bring down the cost of Hajj fare. So, we are happy,” he said.
