In a move that is expected to have significant impact on intending Nigerian pilgrims, the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has officially announced the fare for the 2025 pilgrimage season.
According to a statement released early Monday morning by NAHCON’s Assistant Director of Information, Fatima Sanda Usara, the cost for the 2025 Hajj will range from N8.33 million to N8.78 million, depending on the region. The announcement was made after consultations with relevant stakeholders and an approval from the Office of the Vice President of Nigeria.
Northern and Southern Pilgrims to Pay Varying Fares
For intending pilgrims in Nigeria’s northern zones, including regions like Kaduna and Kano, the fare has been set at N8,457,685.59. Meanwhile, pilgrims from Borno and Adamawa states will pay slightly less, with the fare pegged at N8,327,125.59. Southern Nigerian pilgrims, particularly from states like Lagos, Enugu, and Akwa Ibom, will face a slightly higher fare of N8,784,085.59.
This new fare structure was presented as part of NAHCON’s effort to balance affordability with the realities of rising costs. Fatima Usara highlighted that the decision was reached after extensive consultations with various stakeholders, including state pilgrimage boards and the federal government, ensuring that the needs of all intending pilgrims were met.
‘We Did Our Best to Keep the Costs Reasonable’ – NAHCON Chairman
Speaking on the development, NAHCON Chairman, Professor Abdullahi Saleh Usman, expressed satisfaction with the efforts put into keeping the fare within manageable limits. He noted that the Commission worked tirelessly with the Presidency, especially with the Special Assistant to the President on Special Duties, Malam Ameen Amshi, to ensure that the fares remained as close to previous years as possible.
“The fare is a result of collaborative efforts with all our stakeholders. We appreciate the support from the Presidency, the Forum of State Executive Secretaries, and the State Pilgrims Welfare Boards,” Professor Usman stated. “Our goal was to ensure that the cost would not skyrocket and that it remains within reach for as many Nigerians as possible.”
The NAHCON Chairman also urged prospective pilgrims to be mindful of deadlines, emphasizing that early registration and payment would be crucial to avoid any last-minute disruptions.
“We must ensure timely registration as we prepare for a smooth pilgrimage process. Delays may cause unnecessary inconvenience,” he added.
Key Figures Behind the Hajj Fare Structure
The final determination of the fare was not achieved in isolation. Several influential figures played key roles in negotiating and shaping the 2025 fare structure. Malam Idris Ahmad Almakura, the Forum Chairman of State Executive Secretaries and Executive Secretary of the Nasarawa State Pilgrims Welfare Board, was instrumental in ensuring the fare remained within reasonable limits.
Alhaji Faruku Aliyu Yaro, the Executive Secretary of the Kebbi State Pilgrims Welfare Board, and Alhaji Abubakar Salihu, the Executive Secretary of Adamawa State Pilgrims Welfare Board, were also actively involved in the decision-making process.
“We have worked closely with the leadership of the State Pilgrims Welfare Boards to ensure that the fare does not become a burden on Nigerian Muslims. We are grateful for the support we’ve received from all quarters,” said Malam Almakura.
Consultation and Stakeholder Engagement Key to Fare Structure
NAHCON’s decision to engage various stakeholders before finalizing the fare is a departure from the past, where fare announcements were often made without significant consultations. This time, the Commission sought input from local and state authorities, as well as the federal government, to ensure the price was not only reasonable but also in line with Saudi Arabia’s guidelines for Hajj.
“The consultations were crucial in this process. We understood that this is a significant financial undertaking for most Nigerians, and we wanted to ensure that the fare structure was fair and justifiable,” said Malam Ameen Amshi, Special Assistant to the President on Special Duties.
Visit NAHCON’s Website for Full Details
Intending pilgrims are advised to visit NAHCON’s official website (www.nahcon.gov.ng) or their respective State Pilgrims Welfare Boards for further breakdowns of the fare. The website will offer detailed information on the payment process, as well as the required documents for registration.
NAHCON also reminded prospective pilgrims that the 2025 pilgrimage is bound by Saudi Arabia’s guidelines, and all intending pilgrims must adhere to timelines and requirements to ensure a smooth journey.
Possible Impacts of the Hajj Fare on Nigerian Pilgrims
While the fare may seem steep to many Nigerians, it is important to recognize the broader context in which these costs are set. The cost of Hajj for Nigerians has been on the rise due to various factors, including inflation, exchange rate fluctuations, and the cost of flight tickets and accommodation in Saudi Arabia. In 2024, the fare was slightly lower, but given the rising costs globally, NAHCON’s announcement of a relatively modest increase is considered a reasonable compromise.
For many Nigerian Muslims, the Hajj pilgrimage is a once-in-a-lifetime journey. This has led to a substantial demand for tickets each year, often leading to long waiting lists. With the 2025 fare structure in place, it is expected that many Nigerians will still make the pilgrimage, despite the cost.
Future Outlook for Hajj in Nigeria
Looking forward, Professor Abdullahi Saleh Usman and his team are already planning for future seasons. The NAHCON Chairman emphasized that the Commission would continue to work with all stakeholders, both at the federal and state levels, to ensure that the cost of the pilgrimage remains affordable for future generations of Nigerians.
“We are committed to making the Hajj process smoother and more affordable for all Nigerians. We understand the importance of this pilgrimage, and we will continue working to make it more accessible,” Professor Usman concluded.
