*Photo: Chairman/CEO of NAHCON, Professor Abdullah Saleh Usman (middle) on arrival from Saudi Arabia at the end of the 2025 Hajj operation*
The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) will in the next three months announce the tentative fare for the 2026 Hajj.
NAHCON said this on Thursday while also urging urging intending pilgrims to pay early in order to get quality facilities.
The Commission spoke through its Chairman/CEO, Professor Abdullahi Saleh Usman and the Commissioner for Planning, Research, Statistics, Information and Library Services, Professor Abubakar Abubakar Yagawal, in separate interactions with newsmen on arrival from Saudi Arabia at the end of 2025 Hajj operations.
Speaking at the Malam Aminu Kano International Airport, Kano, Prof Saleh Usman said preparation for the 2026 Hajj has begun with a tentative Hajj fare that would be announced in the next three months.
He said the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has duly notified Nigeria and other participating countries on the need for early compliance and signing of agreements.
He expressed deep gratitude to Almighty God for a smooth and successful 2025 Hajj operation and said the Commission was determined to make that of next year even better.
The NAHCON Chairman noted that feedback from pilgrims and high-ranking officials, including members of the National Assembly’s Committees on Foreign Affairs and Hajj Affairs, attested to the success of the 2025 Hajj.
“What I would say, you’ve already heard from the pilgrims, from our senators and members of the House of Representatives. They’ve said it all,” he added.
He also commended the Nigerian media for their consistent support and for helping NAHCON communicate its message to the public effectively. “We thank you for your role in taking our message to Nigerians. Your partnership has been valuable, and we hope this cooperation continues,” he stated.
Professor Abubakar Yagawal on his part called on intending pilgrims for the 2026 Hajj to begin early payment for their Hajj seats once the announcement was made by NAHCON.
Speaking to journalists at the Sultan Abubakar III International Airport, Sokoto shortly after his return from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Professor Yagawal explained that early preparation and payment help secure more comfortable and closer accommodation to the holy sites.
According to him, starting Hajj arrangements on time would help Nigerian pilgrims to get better services with ease and without stress. He revealed that some countries have already completed payments for their pilgrims’ seats to secure quality and convenient services close to the places of worship.
Professor Yagawal therefore advised intending pilgrims from Nigeria to begin their preparations now, in order to enjoy a smooth and rewarding spiritual journey.