The Chairman National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Professor Abdullahi Sale Usman, says, it has secured a ₦19 billion cost reduction for the 2026 Hajj exercise.

Usman announced this on Friday in Kano while speaking to journalists on the outcome of his recent official visit to Saudi Arabia.

He said the reduction follows negotiations with Saudi service providers and Nigeria’s State Pilgrims’ Welfare Boards.

According to him, the agreement translates to a saving of over ₦200,000 per pilgrim as Nigeria has been allocated 66,910 Hajj slots for 2026.

He said during the visit, NAHCON signed service contracts with Mashariq Dhahabiyya for Masha’ir operations and Daleel Al-Ma’aleem for transportation. It also secured improved accommodation and feeding in the Markaziyya area of Madinah at competitive rates.

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SolaceBase reports that the Chairman noted that official Hajj fares for 2026 are as follows: Maiduguri/Yola: ₦8.12 million, Other northern states: ₦8.24 million and Southern states: ₦8.56 million

“State Pilgrims’ Welfare Boards are required to remit 50 percent of the fare by October 8, 2025. Full payments from intending pilgrims are due by December 31, 2025.

Professor Sale emphasized that the deadlines are essential for early bookings and efficient operations.

He reiterated the commissions committed in ensuring a hitch-free 2026 Hajj Exercise, while calling on the media to accord all the needed support to the organization with a view to achieving the desired goals.