By Aisha Muhammad Magaji
The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has announced a downward review of the 2025 Hajj fare, fixing the cost at N8.1 million and N8.2 million, depending on the departure zone.
The announcement, made on Friday in Abuja, comes as welcome news to many intending pilgrims who had expressed concern over rising costs earlier pegged above N9 million.
According to NAHCON’s Chairman, Malam Jalal Ahmad Arabi, the reduction follows extensive consultations with stakeholders and negotiations with service providers in Saudi Arabia.
“We listened to the concerns of Nigerian Muslims and worked tirelessly to bring down the cost,” Arabi said. “The Commission remains committed to making Hajj affordable without compromising the quality of service.”
The reviewed fares will vary slightly based on departure zones:
- Northern Zone Pilgrims: N8.1 million
- Southern Zone Pilgrims: N8.2 million
The difference, NAHCON explained, is due to variations in airfares from different embarkation points across the country.
The Commission assured that the package covers airfare, accommodation in Makkah and Madinah, feeding, local transportation, medical services, and other basic logistics.
Earlier this year, intending pilgrims had raised alarm over the possibility of paying as high as N9 million to N10 million, due to rising exchange rates and inflationary pressures. The initial estimate was driven by the foreign exchange market, with the naira weakening significantly against the dollar and Saudi riyal.
However, NAHCON said recent government interventions in the forex market, coupled with negotiations with airlines and service providers, made the review possible.
“We secured better deals for accommodation and flights. The support of the Federal Government also contributed to this reduction,” Arabi added.
The news of the fare reduction has sparked relief and optimism among intending pilgrims across Nigeria.
NAHCON reminded intending pilgrims that the deadline for payment remains October 31, 2025, after which registration will close.
Nigeria has been allocated 95,000 slots by Saudi Arabia for the 2025 Hajj, with state pilgrim welfare boards already mobilizing participants.
The Commission urged state boards and private tour operators to intensify awareness campaigns to ensure pilgrims meet the deadline.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had earlier directed relevant agencies to support NAHCON in negotiating better terms for Nigerian pilgrims. This, officials say, was instrumental in the eventual reduction.
The Presidency described the adjustment as “a reflection of government’s commitment to supporting citizens in fulfilling their spiritual obligations.”
While the reduction has been widely applauded, stakeholders warn that affordability will remain a challenge so long as exchange rates remain volatile.
“NAHCON has done well to bring the cost down, but the reality is that Hajj fares will continue to mirror the state of the naira. More long-term solutions, like establishing a dedicated Hajj savings scheme and stabilizing forex supply, are needed.”
As preparations for the 2025 Hajj intensify, Nigerian pilgrims are hopeful that the reduction will make participation more inclusive, ensuring thousands can fulfill one of Islam’s most important pillars.
