Hajj 2026: IHR Hails Fare Reduction, Urges Forex Relief for Pilgrims

The Independent Hajj Reporters (IHR), has lauded President Bola Tinubu for ordering a reduction in the 2026 Hajj fare, calling the move a timely response to public concerns over affordability.

The group’s statement followed an announcement by Vice President Kashim Shettima on Monday, confirming that President Tinubu had instructed the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) to review the cost of the pilgrimage downward.

The directive, Shettima said, was informed by the continued appreciation of the naira against the US dollar — the primary currency for Hajj transactions.

In a press release signed by its National Coordinator, Ibrahim Mohammed, IHR described Tinubu’s intervention as “highly commendable,” noting that it demonstrates the President’s sensitivity to the economic realities facing ordinary Nigerians.

“What the President has done is highly commendable and has shown that, as he always says, he feels the pulse of ordinary citizens at all times,” the statement read.

The organisation said its own analysis had earlier shown that the ₦8 million Hajj fare announced by NAHCON was “on the high side” and not reflective of recent gains in the foreign exchange market.

Call for concessionary forex

IHR urged the federal government to build on the President’s directive by offering a concessionary exchange rate to intending pilgrims.

“We appeal to President Tinubu to direct the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to peg the exchange rate for the 2026 Hajj at ₦1,000 to the US dollar,” the group said.

The group noted that about 85 percent of Hajj-related transactions are conducted in US dollars, arguing that such a concessionary rate would “drastically reduce the fare” and encourage more Nigerians to participate in the pilgrimage.

Analysts say Nigeria’s Hajj fares have fluctuated in recent years in tandem with the naira’s volatility, with religious groups and state welfare boards often urging the government to intervene.

The IHR concluded by urging NAHCON to ensure transparent implementation of the new fare structure and maintain open communication with intending pilgrims across the countr

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