By Abdulkadir Aliyu Shehu
The Gombe State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board has announced the official fare for the 2026 Hajj, fixing it at ₦8,244,813 per pilgrim. The fare excludes the Hadaya, which intending pilgrims are expected to arrange separately.
The Board’s Executive Secretary, Alhaji Sa’adu Hassan, disclosed this on Monday in his office while addressing journalists. He said the early announcement was necessary to give intending pilgrims enough time to prepare and complete payments.
“This figure was reached after wide consultations with the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) and Saudi authorities. The fare covers accommodation, feeding, transportation, medical services, and flight arrangements,” he explained.
Alhaji Hassan emphasised that all payments must be completed on or before December 2025, the deadline set by Saudi Arabia.
“Non-compliance could lead to loss of slots and denial of visas. We don’t want any of our intending pilgrims to be left stranded,” he warned.
According to him, payments can be made through the 11 Local Government Hajj Officers in Gombe State, at the Board’s headquarters in Gombe, or through a designated Ja’iz Bank branch.
“We created multiple payment channels to make the process easy and transparent. Intending pilgrims should avoid last-minute rush,” he advised.
While acknowledging the financial strain on Muslims, Alhaji Hassan reminded them that Hajj is a once-in-a-lifetime obligation for those who can afford it.
“As much as financial capacity is important, spiritual readiness is equally necessary. We urge pilgrims to prepare themselves holistically for the sacred journey,” he said.
He also expressed optimism that the Federal Government might step in to subsidise the fare, just as it did in the last two years.
“Government intervention in the past two Hajj seasons made the journey affordable for many Nigerians. We pray that such support will be extended again this year,” he noted.
The Executive Secretary appealed to traditional rulers, community leaders, and Islamic scholars across the state to sensitize intending pilgrims on the fare, payment methods, and the deadline.
“We want to avoid unnecessary complications. Everyone must be properly informed so that the process will be smooth,” he added.
The announcement has generated mixed reactions across Gombe State. While some Muslims described the fare as “very heavy,” others expressed hope that government subsidy would ease the financial burden and enable more faithfuls to fulfill the sacred obligation.
The Board reaffirmed its commitment to delivering a safe, well-coordinated, and spiritually enriching Hajj experience for pilgrims in 2026.
