The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has tentatively fixed a deposit of N8.5 million as the provisional fare for the 2026 Hajj.

NAHCON Chairman, Prof. Abdullahi Usman, disclosed this on Thursday during a post-Hajj strategic review meeting with chairmen and secretaries of state pilgrims’ welfare boards at the Hajj House in Abuja.

This was contained in a statement by NAHCON spokesperson, Fatima Usara.

Usman said the fare is pending the conclusion of negotiations with service providers.

The NAHCON chairman further said that Nigeria has retained its 95,000-slot allocation from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

He added that the allocation of slots to state welfare boards remains as it was last year.

Usman expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his support towards Nigerian pilgrims, particularly the Federal Government’s intervention, which allowed Hajj carriers to accept payments in Naira.

He noted that the move protected intending pilgrims from foreign exchange volatility.

Usman also lauded the Federal Government’s directive to the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to suspend its policy mandating Basic Travel Allowance (BTA) payments through credit cards alone.

He said such a policy would have adversely affected pilgrims, many of whom lacked adequate sensitisation.

The post-Hajj meeting, which sought to evaluate the 2025 operations and chart early preparations for 2026, featured deliberations on logistics, policy implementation, and timelines.

On operational matters, the Commissioner of Operations, Prince Anofiu Elegushi, hinted at the possibility of rolling over contracts with the four airlines that operated during the 2025 Hajj.

He said early confirmation would help Nigeria secure airlift slots in line with the Saudi Arabian Hajj calendar, which has become increasingly strict with deadlines.

Commissioner in charge of Planning, Research and Statistics, Information and Library Services (PRSILS), Professor Abubakar Yagawal, led discussions on the draft Hajj calendar for 2026, encouraging prompt action to avoid delays.

Chairman of the Forum of States’ Executive Secretaries and Executive Secretary of the Nasarawa State Muslim Pilgrims’ Welfare Board, Alhaji Idris Almakura, commended NAHCON for initiating the review meeting.

He urged the Commission to improve communication and promptly address outstanding issues from the 2025 Hajj to ensure smoother coordination in the coming year.

Other executive members of the Forum, including Deputy Chairman, Alhaji Aliyu Faruku Yaro (ES, Kebbi State), and Secretary, Malam Abubakar Salihu (ES, Adamawa State), were also in attendance.

Members resolved to consult with their respective states and provide additional feedback on unresolved concerns.