NAHCON Meets State Pilgrim Boards, Restrategizes Ahead Of 2026 Hajj

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has met with officials of State Pilgrims Welfare Boards to harmonize the exchange rate that will be used for all Hajj 2026 cost computations.

In his opening remarks, Chairman of the Commission, Professor Abdullahi Saleh Usman, called for unity for success of the 2026 hajj.

The Chairman appealed to State Executive Secretaries to take the issue of medical screening seriously due to the seriousness Saudi Arabia attaches to it.

During the meeting, NAHCON disclosed that efforts are ongoing to negotiate reductions in certain cost components such as cargo handling charges, to ease the financial burden on intending pilgrims.

The Commission, however, emphasized that service providers’ rates will not be arbitrarily reduced, since that may affect services that pilgrims are expected to receive as providers may offer services commensurate with payments made.

The meeting however, recommended a separate engagement with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to reduce its charges on pilgrims.

The Board Member representing CBN in NAHCON, Dr. Adetona Sikiru Adedeji, pledged to convey NAHCON ‘s request to CBN on the possibility of reducing the 2% charge imposed on pilgrims’ transactions.

The Commissioner in charge of Policy Personnel Management and Finance, Aliu AbdulRazak announced that the Chairman has approved the transfer of funds to CBN on regular basis, as they are being received from the states, so as to take advantage of the positive exchange rate.

The Chairman Forum of States, Alhaji Idris Almakura, drew attention of the meeting to the seriousness of the slots limitation on the NUSUK Masar portal.

The Commission further requested States to submit the number of registered pilgrims to confirm if it is in line with NAHCON’s projections of pilgrims registration to facilitate planning.

States were also reminded of the new deadline of December 21 for remittances, hence they were advised to set an internal deadline to ensure all funds are received and transferred to NAHCON before the cutoff date.

To ensure timely payments, NAHCON said it will embark on nationwide sensitization for States and pilgrims to highlight the urgency and importance of meeting the deadline.

NAHCON also announced that this year’s Hajj will adopt the standard international luggage policy, allowing each pilgrim two 23kg checked-in bags and one backpack as hand luggage.

At the end of the meeting, the Executive Secretary of the Adamawa State Pilgrims Welfare Board, Dr. Abubakar Salihu, expressed appreciation to NAHCON for carrying the States along in all aspects of Hajj preparations.

PR / Salihu Tejumola