By Olaitan Ibrahim
The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria, NAHCON, has announced the official fare for 2025 Hajj pilgrimage, revealing a significant increase from previous years.
In the guidelines provided by the commission, pilgrims from Borno and Adamawa states will pay N 8,327,125.59, while those from the northern zone are expected to pay N8,457,685.59.
Southern states face the highest fare of N 8,784,085.59.
NAHCON’s spokesperson, Fatimah Usara, who disclosed this in a statement yesterday, said the fare was approved by Vice President Kashim Shettima, after extensive consultations.
The statement emphasized efforts to prevent fares from skyrocketing, with contributions from NAHCON Chairman Abdullahi Saleh, the forum of state executive secretaries, FSEC, and other key stakeholders.
The fare adjustment followed a history of rising costs, with the 2024 pilgrimage initially pegged at N4.5 million, and later increased to N4.9 million, and adjusted to N8.5 million for new registrants.
In contrast, pilgrims with deposits paid N6.8 million last year.
NAHCON attributed the new fare structure to collaborative efforts aimed at inclusivity and advised prospective pilgrims to adhere to timelines, follow Saudi Arabia’s guidelines, and make early payments to avoid inconveniences.
The statement read: “The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria, NAHCON, under the leadership of its Chairman, Prof. Abdullahi Usman, is pleased to announce the hajj fare for the 2025 season.
“The fare was announced sequel to the approval from the Office of the Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“The 2025 Hajj fare for Borno and Adamawa zone’s intending pilgrims is N8.33 million. Similarly, the cost of the 2025 Hajj for intending pilgrims from the Southern states is N8.78 million, while intending pilgrims from the Northern zone will pay N8.46 million.”