The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has announced the official fares for the 2027 Hajj pilgrimage, with intending pilgrims expected to pay between ₦7.56 million and ₦7.88 million depending on their departure zones, while warning that failure to meet payment and registration deadlines could result in the loss of allocated pilgrimage slots.

The announcement comes as preparations for the 2027 Hajj gather momentum, with the Commission unveiling a timetable that leaves little room for delays by intending pilgrims and state pilgrimage agencies.

Under the approved fare structure, pilgrims departing from the Maiduguri and Yola zones will pay ₦7,560,822, those from the Northern Zone will pay ₦7,672,822, while pilgrims from the Southern Zone will pay the highest fare of ₦7,882,822.

The fares, according to NAHCON, were determined after extensive consultations with the Forum of State Muslim Pilgrims’ Welfare Boards, Saudi-based service providers and other stakeholders involved in Hajj operations. The Commission said prevailing exchange rates, accommodation costs, transportation expenses and other logistical considerations were factored into the final pricing.

For thousands of Nigerian Muslims planning to perform the pilgrimage next year, the announcement provides the clearest indication yet of the financial commitment required for the spiritual journey to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

NAHCON maintained that the approved fares reflect its commitment to transparency, accountability and cost efficiency while ensuring that Nigerian pilgrims receive quality services throughout the pilgrimage.

The Commission disclosed that intending pilgrims who had already made an initial deposit of ₦5 million would be required to pay the outstanding balance to secure their participation in the 2027 Hajj exercise.

New applicants, meanwhile, have been directed to process their payments through their respective State Muslim Pilgrims’ Welfare Boards, Agencies and Commissions or through participating financial institutions operating under the approved Hajj Savings Scheme.

Beyond payment, the Commission also announced a crucial deadline for biometric registration, setting September 26, 2026, as the final date for the upload of pilgrims’ biometric information onto the Saudi government’s Nusuk-Masar digital platform.

NAHCON stressed that the deadline was not arbitrary but was in strict compliance with the requirements of the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, warning that there would be no extension under any circumstance.

The Commission further directed all states to remit the full Hajj fares collected from intending pilgrims to NAHCON on or before December 2, 2026, explaining that timely remittance is critical for data synchronisation, visa processing and the allocation of pilgrimage seats.

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According to the Commission, Saudi authorities now operate a highly digitised Hajj management system, making adherence to timelines a mandatory requirement rather than an administrative formality.

NAHCON warned that delays in payment, remittance or biometric registration could have serious consequences for intending pilgrims, including the outright forfeiture of allocated Hajj slots.

The warning reflects growing pressure on Hajj-participating countries to comply with Saudi Arabia’s increasingly technology-driven pilgrimage management framework, which places emphasis on early registration, accurate data collection and timely payments.

For many intending pilgrims, the challenge will be balancing the rising cost of the pilgrimage with the desire to fulfil one of Islam’s most important religious obligations.

The steady increase in Hajj fares in recent years has largely been driven by fluctuations in foreign exchange rates, inflationary pressures, international travel costs and service charges in Saudi Arabia, factors that continue to impact pilgrimage expenses globally.

Despite these challenges, NAHCON expressed confidence that the early announcement of fares and deadlines would provide sufficient time for intending pilgrims to complete the necessary requirements.

The Commission therefore urged State Muslim Pilgrims’ Welfare Boards, Agencies and Commissions to intensify awareness campaigns and ensure strict compliance with all guidelines.

It also advised intending pilgrims to complete their payments and biometric registration well ahead of the deadlines to avoid last-minute complications that could jeopardise their participation in the 2027 Hajj.

With the countdown to the pilgrimage already underway, NAHCON's message is clear: meet the deadlines or risk losing the opportunity to perform the 2027 Hajj.