President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved a N90 billion subsidy for the 2024 Hajj exercise and a reduction in fares for intending pilgrims, according to the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON).

The Chairman of the Commission, Professor Abdullahi Saleh Usman, disclosed this during a media briefing on Monday, noting that the President also settled N24 billion in outstanding payments owed to 2023 Hajj airlines.

Professor Usman explained that the intervention shielded pilgrims from the impact of foreign exchange fluctuations while rescuing local carriers from imminent collapse. He further confirmed that the Federal Government compelled airlines to accept payments in naira to ease the burden on pilgrims.

In a statement signed by the NAHCON Chairman, the Commission also announced a refund of N5.3 billion to State Pilgrims’ Welfare Boards for services not provided during the 2023 Hajj.

He said this act of transparency restored confidence and demonstrated the Commission’s commitment to accountability.

Professor Usman added that the administration expanded the Hajj Savings Scheme in partnership with more banks, enabling young people and low-income earners to gradually save towards the holy pilgrimage.

He revealed that NAHCON amended contracts with service providers by aligning them with the actual number of registered pilgrims — 52,544 instead of the earlier projection of 95,000 — thereby preventing waste and reducing fares for 2025.

According to him, pilgrims benefitted from significant cost reductions, including a 720 SAR cut on Mashair services, 200 SAR savings on Madinah accommodation, 303 SAR reduction in transport fares, and airfare cuts of $116 for North-Central/North-West, $149 for North-East, and $138 for the South.

Medical services were also improved, with 98 percent of supplies funded by the Federal Government and health workers fully mobilised to provide round-the-clock care.

Professor Usman described the progress as a reflection of President Tinubu’s leadership and empathy for Nigerian pilgrims.

He stressed that NAHCON remains committed to transparent, efficient, and welfare-driven Hajj operations.