The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), in collaboration with State Pilgrims’ Welfare Boards, has agreed on a ₦8.5 million provisional deposit for the 2026 Hajj exercise, pending the finalization of service agreements with relevant stakeholders.
This decision was announced by NAHCON Chairman/CEO, Professor Abdullahi Usman, during a strategic post-Hajj review meeting held in Abuja with Chairmen and Secretaries of the State Pilgrims’ Welfare Boards. The session was convened to assess the 2025 Hajj operations and initiate early planning for the 2026 pilgrimage.
Prof. Usman confirmed that Nigeria’s 95,000-slot Hajj allocation from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia remains unchanged. He also noted that the distribution of slots across the states would remain consistent with the previous year’s arrangement.
In his remarks, Alhaji Idris Almakura, Chairman of the Forum of State Executive Secretaries and Executive Secretary of the Nasarawa State Muslim Pilgrims’ Board, expressed appreciation for NAHCON’s coordination efforts. He emphasized the need for stronger collaboration between the commission and state boards, urging improved communication and prompt resolutions of outstanding matters from the 2025 pilgrimage.
Opening the meeting, Professor Usman acknowledged the support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, particularly in initiatives that eased the burden on pilgrims. He highlighted the federal government’s intervention, which allowed Hajj carriers to accept payments in Naira, shielding pilgrims from the impact of volatile foreign exchange rates.
He also commended the government for instructing the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to suspend its previous directive that would have restricted pilgrims’ Basic Travel Allowance (BTA) payments to credit cards only—a move that could have excluded many pilgrims due to lack of awareness and digital access.
Participants were encouraged to give open and constructive feedback on the 2025 Hajj experience, including successes, challenges, and suggested improvements for the future.
During the session, Commissioner for Planning, Research and Statistics, Information and Library Services (PRSILS), Prof. Abubakar Yagawal, led discussions on the 2026 Hajj calendar. Meanwhile, Commissioner for Operations, Prince Anofiu Elegushi, focused on the operational framework, particularly the potential renewal of contracts for the four airlines used in the 2025 Hajj.
Elegushi pointed out the need for early booking of airlift slots due to Saudi Arabia’s strict calendar and procedural timelines, noting that bureaucratic delays could impact preparations if not addressed promptly.
The meeting was attended by key members of the Forum of State Muslim Welfare Boards, including Deputy Chairman Alhaji Aliyu Faruku Yaro, Executive Secretary of Kebbi State, and Malam Abubakar Salihu, the Forum’s Secretary and Executive Secretary of Adamawa State.