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 a civil society organisation, the Independent Hajj Reporters.
The group, which monitors transparency in Hajj operations, said in a press statement 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 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.
Despite ongoing discussions, neither the CBN nor the Tinubu administration 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 government and the CBN to publicly justify the charge and provide a transparent breakdown of how the funds are utilised.
It also urged the National Assembly to scrutinise the revenue flow to ensure pilgrims are not overburdened by costs that lack clear value for their religious journey.
