The Federal Government is projected to generate about N5.4bn from Nigerian pilgrims participating in the 2026 Hajj through a compulsory service charge, according to a new report.
The estimate was released by the Independent Hajj Reporters (IHR), a civil society organisation that monitors transparency in Hajj operations.
IHR made the disclosure in a statement issued by its national coordinator and shared with journalists over the weekend.
According to the report, pilgrims taking part in the 2026 Hajj are required to pay a 2 per cent service charge directly to the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) as part of the approved Hajj fare.
The organisation explained that with the official Hajj fare fixed at about N7.6 million per pilgrim, the compulsory levy amounts to approximately N136,417 per person.
It said, “With the official Hajj fare set at roughly N7.6 million per person, the mandatory levy translates to about N136,417 per pilgrim.”
Based on Nigeria’s approved allocation of 40,000 pilgrims, IHR estimated that the total revenue accruing to the CBN would range between N5.3bn and N5.4bn.
The group further disclosed that when calculated in U.S. dollars, each pilgrim pays $92.46, bringing the overall amount to about $3.7m. It noted that this represents an increase compared to the $90 charged during the 2025 Hajj exercise.
IHR said, “Based on an allocation of 40,000 pilgrims to the various states, the total revenue accruing to the CBN is estimated to reach between N5.3bn and N5.4bn.”
It further stated, “In U.S. currency, the charge amounts to $92.46 per person, totalling approximately $3.7m
“This figure marks an increase from the $90 fee charged during the 2025 Hajj season.”
The organisation explained that the service charge is largely associated with the cost of transferring funds to the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria’s (NAHCON) foreign bank account in Saudi Arabia.
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