How NAHCON achieved reduction in Hajj fare —Chairman

…lists achievements 

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has revealed how its contract amendment with the service providers during the just concluded 2025 Hajj exercise prevented waste of funds as well as the reduction of Hajj fare for pilgrims.

This was revealed by the Chairman/CEO of the Commission, Professor Abdullahi Saleh Usman, while briefing stakeholders on the Commission’s handling of the 2025 Hajj exercise, which industry watchers adjudged one of the best in the country’s recent history. 

This is even as he outlined a series of landmark achievements recorded under the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, describing the 2025 Hajj exercise as a turning point for Nigerian pilgrims.

He noted that despite economic and logistical challenges, Nigeria’s Hajj operations have been redefined in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the Tinubu administration.

“It is to be noted that in an attempt to reduce the 2025 Hajj fare, NAHCON amended its contract with Mashariq AL-Dhahabia to align services with the actual number of registered Pilgrims (52,544), down from the initial projection of 95,000. This proactive adjustment prevented waste of fund as well as the reduction of Hajj fare for pilgrims,” the chairman added.

According to him, Nigerian pilgrims and NAHCON have received unprecedented support under the present administration, leading to record-breaking success that has restored confidence in the system and reaffirmed the nation’s commitment to transparency and efficiency.

One of the most significant interventions was President Tinubu’s approval of a ₦90 billion subsidy for the 2024 Hajj exercise to cushion the impact of foreign exchange fluctuations on pilgrims. 

In addition, the President approved ₦24 billion to settle outstanding payments to 2023 Hajj airlines, rescuing local carriers from imminent collapse. The Federal Government also intervened in negotiations with airlines to accept payments in local currency, thereby shielding pilgrims from the shocks of foreign exchange volatility.

“Another relief for pilgrims came with the suspension of the Central Bank’s credit card policy for Basic Travel Allowance (BTA) payments, which could have disadvantaged many Nigerians due to low awareness and inadequate sensitisation. This decision was another example of the government’s empathy and timely intervention in protecting the interest of citizens,” he said.

While noting that the administration has also expanded the Hajj Savings Scheme by partnering with more banks, allowing intending Pilgrims, especially youth and low-income earners, to gradually save towards the sacred journey, Professor Usman described this as a legacy tool that would serve generations to come by instilling financial planning and easing the burden of preparation.

He equally revealed that in line with the anti-corruption stance of the present administration, NAHCON refunded ₦5.3 billion to State Pilgrims’ Welfare Boards for unprovided services during the 2023 Hajj. This act of transparency restored confidence, promoted accountability, and underscored the Commission’s commitment to efficient and honest service delivery.

Through strategic engagement, NAHCON secured VIP Tent ‘A+’ accommodation, ensuring greater comfort for high-level officials and reducing stress during the exercise. 

“Pilgrims’ welfare also received a boost, with 98 percent of medical supplies provided by the Federal Government. Health workers were fully mobilized to deliver round-the-clock care, ensuring the well-being of Nigerian pilgrims throughout the exercise. Cost reductions were further achieved across several service components, with pilgrims benefiting from 720 SAR reduction for Mashair services, 200 SAR savings on Madinah accommodation, 303 SAR reduction in transport fares, and airfare reductions of \$116 for the North-Central/North-West, \$149 for the North-East, and \$138 for the South,” the NAHCON chairman added.

Professor Usman said that the progress made so far is a reflection of President Tinubu’s visionary leadership and empathy for Nigerian pilgrims, adding that President Tinubu’s timely interventions, deep respect for religious institutions, and commitment to easing the burden on citizens remain the driving force behind NAHCON’s achievements. 

To this end, he assured that NAHCON will remain fully committed to sustaining and improving on these gains so that every Nigerian pilgrim embarks on Hajj with pride, dignity, and fulfilment.

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