ABUJA, Nigeria — The federal government is projected to generate approximately ₦5.4 billion from Nigerian pilgrims participating in the 2026 Hajj through a mandatory service charge, according to an analysis released recently by the Independent Hajj Reporters.
The civil society organization, which monitors transparency in Hajj operations, reported that the 2026 fare structure requires each pilgrim to pay a 2% service fee directly to the Central Bank of Nigeria. With the official Hajj fare set at roughly ₦7.6 million per person, the mandatory levy translates to about ₦136,417 per pilgrim.
Based on an allocation of 40,000 pilgrims to the various states, the total revenue accruing to the CBN is estimated to reach between ₦5.3 billion and ₦5.4 billion. In U.S. currency, the charge amounts to $92.46 per person, totaling approximately $3.7 million. This figure marks an increase from the $90 fee charged during the 2025 Hajj season.
The IHR stated that the fee is primarily applied to the transfer of funds to the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria’s international bank account in Saudi Arabia. The group noted that it had previously appealed to the government in October 2025 to waive the charge, describing it as an "unnecessary financial burden" on citizens already navigating high costs from various government agencies.
"The collection of this significant sum underscores that the pilgrimage represents a substantial revenue stream for the government, beyond its spiritual and administrative dimensions," the association said in a statement.
Despite ongoing discussions, neither the CBN nor the administration of President Bola Tinubu has announced a review or waiver of the policy. Sources close to the matter indicated the policy remains firmly in place.
The IHR called on the federal government and the CBN to publicly justify the charge and provide a transparent breakdown of how the funds are utilized. The group also urged the National Assembly to scrutinize the revenue flow to ensure pilgrims are not overburdened by costs that lack clear value for their religious journey.