By Shafii Sani Mohammed
The journey to Hajj is never just about logistics — it is about faith, hope, and preparation. And for Nigerian pilgrims looking forward to the 2026 Hajj, the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) is already laying a strong foundation to make the sacred journey smoother, more affordable, and better organized.
On Monday, 22nd September 2025, NAHCON Chairman, Professor Abdullahi Saleh Usman, led a delegation of Commissioners and Staff of the Commission to Saudi Arabia. Their mission was clear: sit down with service providers, seal agreements, and make sure Nigeria does not miss a single deadline in the Saudi calendar for Hajj preparations.
The Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has a strict timetable: contracts for camps at Mina, Arafat, and Muzdalifa must be finalized between 6th and 23rd September, and transport and accommodation by 24th September.
NAHCON kept pace. By the close of meetings in Makkah and Jeddah, contracts had been signed with:
• Mashāriq Dhahabiyya Company – to handle services at the Mashā’ir.
• Daleel Al-Ma’aleem Company – to provide buses and transport for Nigerian pilgrims throughout Hajj.
Professor Abdullahi praised both companies for their work during the 2025 Hajj, but he made one thing clear: “We expect you to do even more this time. Our pilgrims are the guests of Allah, and they deserve the best.”
The NAHCON team also held talks with the Director General on Hajj Affairs at the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, Mr. Abdallah As-Sheehri. The Chairman presented Nigeria’s requests and stressed the need for continued support.
In return, As-Sheehri welcomed Nigeria’s preparations but urged the Commission to keep respecting the new Saudi policies and deadlines. For NAHCON, this was not just a reminder — it was a call to stay disciplined for the sake of the pilgrims.
For intending pilgrims, the biggest relief came when Professor Abdullahi announced the official fares for the 2026 Hajj. After wide consultations and with approval of the Federal Government, fares have been set as follows:
• Maiduguri–Yola Zone (Yobe, Borno, Adamawa, Taraba): ₦8,118,333.67
• Other Northern States: ₦8,244,813.67
• Southern States: ₦8,561,013.67
This means pilgrims will be paying about ₦200,000 less than last year.
The reduction is no accident. It is the result of firm leadership and careful negotiations. The Vice President of Nigeria, Senator Kashim Shettima, who directly supervises NAHCON, gave the political backing needed for smooth approvals. At the same time, Professor Abdullahi Saleh Usman and his team negotiated tirelessly with service providers in Saudi Arabia to bring down costs without compromising quality.
Alongside the announcement came a passionate appeal from the Chairman. He urged States’ Pilgrims’ Welfare Boards, Tour Operators, and pilgrims themselves to pay early.
• Boards and Tour Operators must remit fares by 8th October 2025, so Nigeria can upload pilgrim details on the Nusuk platform before the Saudi deadline of 12th October.
• Intending pilgrims must complete their payments by 31st December 2025 to secure their slots and allow NAHCON to pay for accommodation, transportation, and Mashā’ir services.
Professor Abdullahi explained why this matters: “The earlier we pay, the stronger our hand in securing good services. If pilgrims delay, it weakens our ability to negotiate. Early payment is the key to a successful Hajj.”
Looking at the 2026 preparations so far, there is much to be hopeful about. Contracts have been signed early, fares are lower, and Saudi partners are supportive. More importantly, NAHCON has shown that it is learning from past experiences: acting on time, negotiating smartly, and putting pilgrims first.
For every Nigerian intending to perform Hajj in 2026, the message is simple: pay early, prepare early, and In Sha Allah, your journey will be smoother.
With the firm leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu , the supervision of Vice President, Kashim Shettima and the dedication of the NAHCON Chairman and his team, pilgrims can look forward to a Hajj season that is not only more affordable but also more dignified and fulfilling.
Shafii writes from Information and Publications Division of NAHCON.
