The Chairman of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Professor Abdullahi Saleh Usman, has said plans are underway to ease the 2026 Hajj exercise for pilgrims
He said this while speaking to journalist after a courtesy visit to Katsina State Governor, Dikko Radda, on Wednesday.
According to Usman, the commission has worked to address challenges faced by Nigerian pilgrims, including high Hajj fares and difficulties with Basic Travel Allowance (BTA) payments through ATM credit cards.
“We are pleased to share that, God willing, pilgrims might pay less for Hajj fare compared to last year, although this is still subject to confirmation,” Usman said.
The NAHCON Boss called for sensitization and encouraged intending pilgrims to pay promptly.
“As leaders, we urge scholars, journalists, and stakeholders to sensitize people on the importance of early registration for the Hajj exercise,” Usman emphasized.
He also expressed appreciation for the current administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu towards his support for the commission.
“I do not think there has been any administration who took care of Hajj exercise and listened to complaints from the commission and pilgrims like the current one. So, we are here to asked the governor to extend our appreciation to the president.”
On his part Governor Radda gave NAHCON a warm reception and pledge his full support for NAHCON in collaboration with other northern governors.
According to Usman, the governor instructed the Commissioner of Religious Affairs to commence sensitization through media outlets immediately.
“The Governor gave us a warm reception and also in our presence instructed the commissioner of religious affairs to use media outlets to begin sensitization,” Usman noted.
