The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Professor Abdullahi Saleh Usman, says the commission has secured a cost relief of over N19 billion for Nigerian pilgrims in preparation for the 2026 Hajj.

Usman disclosed this while briefing journalists in Kano on Friday upon his return from Saudi Arabia, where he embarked on an emergency visit on September 22 to negotiate improved service delivery and cost efficiency for Nigerian intending pilgrims.

According to him, the relief followed engagements with Saudi partners and executives of State Pilgrims’ Welfare Boards, which resulted in a reduction of over N200,000 per pilgrim across the 66,910 slots allocated to Nigeria.

“This achievement is not just negotiation, but results. It aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, aimed at easing the burden on our people,” the NAHCON boss said.

He noted that beyond the relief, the trip laid a stronger foundation for the 2026 exercise, with several contracts already signed. These include Masha’ir services with Mashariq Dhahabiyya Company, transport services with Daleel Al-Ma’aleem, and accommodation and feeding services in Madinah’s Markaziyya area at competitive rates.

The chairman added that NAHCON had held frank discussions with the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, drawing from the lessons of the 2025 Hajj to make firm recommendations for better service delivery.

He also announced the inauguration of the 2026 Hajj Tour Operators Screening Committee, saying only qualified operators would be cleared to serve Nigerian pilgrims.

“The days of shortcuts and cutting corners are over,” Usman stressed.

In addition, NAHCON has commenced intensive staff training to sharpen its workforce ahead of the commencement of operations.

On Hajj fares, Usman said the 2026 rates were deliberately announced early to encourage timely payments and smooth planning. The fares include Maiduguri/Yola axis to pay N8,118,333.67; northern states N8,244,813.67 and southern states N8,561,013.67.

He emphasized that by October 8, 2025, states are expected to remit 50 percent of fares to NAHCON to maintain their allocations, while full payment by all pilgrims must be completed by December 31, 2025.

“These deadlines are not just administrative. They are crucial to guarantee early camp bookings, stronger contracts, and efficient services,” he explained.

Usman urged discipline, foresight and cooperation from stakeholders, saying the success of the 2026 Hajj must be built early rather than improvised. (Daily Trust)