The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has announced major changes to the way Hajj slots will be allocated to Nigerian pilgrims for the 2026 pilgrimage. The commission has cancelled the previous system of state-based slot allocations and introduced a first-come, first-served approach.
In a statement signed by NAHCON’s Deputy Director of Information and Public Relations, Fatima Sanda Usara, on behalf of Chairman/CEO Prof. Abdullahi Saleh Usman, the commission explained that the previous slot allocations to states “no longer apply.” The new policy means that states that remit their Hajj fares earlier will secure slots for their registered number of pilgrims based on prompt payment.
“This change is aimed at ensuring fairness and transparency in the allocation of Hajj slots,” the statement said.
Alongside the policy change, NAHCON has announced a reduction in the 2026 Hajj fares for Nigerian pilgrims. The fare review shows substantial decreases across the northern and southern zones.
Pilgrims from the Maiduguri/Yola Zone, previously required to pay N8,118,033.67, will now pay N7,579,020.96, a reduction of N539,013.
Other parts of the Northern Zone will now pay N7,696,769.76, down from N8,244,813.67 in 2025, a drop of N548,043.91.
Pilgrims from the Southern Zone will pay N7,991,141.76, compared to N8,561,013.67 last year, a decrease of N569,871.91.
NAHCON explained that the revised fares were calculated based on an exchange rate of N1,443 per US dollar. The commission said the reductions are intended to make the pilgrimage more affordable for Nigerian Muslims.
NAHCON has urged all intending pilgrims to complete their Hajj fare remittances by December 5, 2025. The deadline is necessary to ensure that all funds are transferred to the commission’s IBAN account in time for Saudi Arabia’s payment deadline of December 21.
“This deadline is critical,” the statement noted. “Transfers into IBAN accounts take between 10 days to two weeks before being credited, which may be impossible to meet if payments are delayed.”
The commission emphasized that Saudi authorities will not extend the December 21 deadline for transferring funds for the basic services contract, underlining the importance of early payment to secure slots.
On Monday, NAHCON held a meeting with representatives from Nigerian states in Abuja to discuss preparations for the 2026 Hajj. During the meeting, Chairman of the Forum of States, Alhaji Idris Al-Makura, urged states to conclude their assignments in Saudi Arabia promptly and return to Nigeria to mobilize pilgrims for registration.
Al-Makura highlighted the strict timeline for filling Nigeria’s quota for the 2026 pilgrimage. He stressed that delays could affect Nigeria’s ability to meet the requirements set by the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah.
“The cooperation of state governments is crucial to ensure that Nigeria’s pilgrims are registered and all necessary arrangements are completed on time,” Al-Makura said.
Nigeria is among the countries with the largest number of pilgrims traveling to Saudi Arabia each year. NAHCON, under the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, coordinates the annual Hajj pilgrimage for Nigerian Muslims, managing visa applications, flights, accommodation, health checks, and other logistics.
Traditionally, Hajj slots were allocated to each state based on population and other factors. However, concerns about fairness, delayed payments, and unequal distribution led to the decision to adopt a first-come, first-served system for 2026.
This system aims to encourage timely payments and ensure that pilgrims who are ready and prepared are given priority for the available slots.
Religious scholars and Hajj operators have welcomed the reduction in fares, saying it will make the pilgrimage more accessible to Nigerians from all socio-economic backgrounds. The downward review also aligns with efforts to reduce the financial burden on intending pilgrims, particularly given the rising cost of international travel and living expenses.
The commission reiterated that intending pilgrims must comply with the new payment schedule and submit all necessary documentation to state Hajj committees. Failure to meet the deadline could result in losing the opportunity to participate in the 2026 pilgrimage.
NAHCON also assured pilgrims that all arrangements would be carried out efficiently and that measures are in place to maintain transparency, fairness, and accountability in the registration process.
“Our goal is to make the Hajj experience seamless for every Nigerian Muslim intending to perform the pilgrimage,” the statement added.