The Taraba State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board has announced December 1, 2025, as the deadline for intending pilgrims to complete payments for the 2026 Hajj exercise.
According to a statement from the Board’s Information Unit, through the Assistant Information Director, Hamza. Baba Muri, the revised Hajj fare for 2026 has been set at N7,630,000, as approved by the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON).
The Board urged all intending pilgrims who plan to perform the pilgrimage through its platform to ensure full payment before the deadline to secure their slots for the spiritual journey.
Speaking on the preparations, the Board’s spokesperson emphasised that all payments must be made strictly through designated Centre Officers, warning that no complaints will be entertained after the deadline.
He explained that early payment would enable the Board to compile the final list of pilgrims and remit funds to NAHCON in line with national schedules.
The spokesperson also revealed that negotiations are ongoing with service providers in Saudi Arabia to secure quality feeding and befitting accommodation for pilgrims in Makkah during the 2026 Hajj.
The Board reaffirmed its commitment to providing the best possible services to Taraba pilgrims, in line with the objectives of the K-move Administration.
In other news, the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has announced a significant reduction in the cost of performing the 2026 Hajj, providing major financial relief to intending pilgrims nationwide.
In a revised fare breakdown released on Monday, the commission said pilgrims departing from the Southern Zone will benefit the most, with a reduction of N792,943.83, bringing the new fare to N7,991,141.76, down from N8,784,085.59.
Pilgrims from the Northern Zone will also enjoy a substantial decrease of N760,915.83, setting the new fare at N7,696,769.76.
For intending pilgrims from the Borno–Adamawa axis, traditionally the lowest-cost departure point, the fare has been reviewed to N7,579,020.96, following a reduction of N748,104.63.
NAHCON said the downward review is part of efforts to reduce the financial burden on pilgrims and encourage broader participation in the 2026 exercise.
The commission also announced December 5, 2025, as the new deadline for full payment, noting that the timeline is crucial for completing visa processing, airline arrangements, and other logistical preparations.
In mid-October, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia reduced the 95,000 slots allocated to Nigeria to 66,910, effective from 2026. Nigeria had maintained the previous slot for three years.
According to NAHCON, the slash was due to Nigeria’s inability to utilise the previous slot during the 2024 and 2025 Hajj.
The statement signed by NAHCON’s Deputy Director Information and Publication, Fatima Sanda Usara, said this means earlier seat allocation to states will change and be based on the number of pilgrims they ferried for the 2025 hajj.
