Early Payment for 2026 Hajj: NAHCON Urges Pilgrims to Act Now
By: Abudu Olalekan
Listen up, pilgrims! The National Hajj Commission (NAHCON) is waving a big red flag. They’re worried. Why? Because many intending pilgrims are dragging their feet on paying for the 2026 Hajj. And that delay? It could cost you—literally. Think about it: late payments might mean missing out on the best accommodations in Mecca and Medina. Not exactly the kind of start you want for such a sacred journey.
This message came straight from the top. Prof. Abdullahi Saleh-Usman, NAHCON’s chairman, was in Katsina recently, meeting with Governor Dikko Radda. The visit wasn’t just a friendly hello. Saleh-Usman was there to ask for help—big help. He wants the North-West Governors Forum, led by Radda, to push for early payments from pilgrims. Because, as he put it, “early payment is key.”
Now, let’s rewind a bit. The 2024 Hajj wasn’t without its challenges. But NAHCON scored some wins, thanks to President Bola Tinubu’s support. Saleh-Usman proudly shared that the President approved a whopping N90 billion intervention fund to cushion pilgrims from the harsh effects of forex fluctuations. That’s right—money was set aside to make sure pilgrims didn’t get hit too hard by currency swings.
And there’s more. The government also chipped in N24 billion to clear outstanding debts owed to 2023 Hajj airlines. This move saved those carriers from collapsing under financial pressure. Plus, NAHCON negotiated with airlines to accept payments in local currency, shielding pilgrims from further forex shocks. Smart move, right?
One of the biggest headaches was the Central Bank of Nigeria’s new policy on credit card payments for the BTA (Basic Travel Allowance). It wasn’t well communicated, and many pilgrims were caught off guard. NAHCON stepped in and got that suspended, easing the burden on pilgrims.
But NAHCON didn’t stop there. They expanded the Hajj saving scheme, bringing more banks on board. This means pilgrims can now save gradually over time, making the whole process less stressful. It’s a game-changer, especially for young people and those with tight budgets. Saleh-Usman called it a “legacy tool” that will help generations to come.
Transparency was another big win. NAHCON refunded N5.3 billion to states’ pilgrim welfare boards for services that weren’t provided during the 2023 Hajj. This move restored public trust and showed that NAHCON is serious about accountability.
On the comfort front, NAHCON secured Tent ‘A+’ through a partnership with service providers. This upgrade means less stress and fatigue for VIP pilgrims. Nice touch, right?
Looking ahead to 2025, NAHCON made a smart adjustment. They renegotiated their contract with Masharig AL-Dhahabia, reducing the number of registered pilgrims from 95,000 to 52,544. This prevented waste and helped lower the Hajj fare. It’s all about efficiency.
Governor Radda promised to back NAHCON’s push for early payments. He’s directing the state’s Ministry for Religious Affairs and the Pilgrims Welfare Board to ramp up awareness campaigns. The goal? Get the message out loud and clear: register early, pay early.
Radda also called on Ulamas to use their sermons to remind worshippers about the importance of timely registration. After all, who better to spread the word than trusted community leaders?
So, here’s the bottom line: if you’re planning to go for the 2026 Hajj, don’t wait. Pay early. Secure your spot. Avoid the last-minute scramble. Because when it comes to a journey this sacred, every detail counts.
