How Billion Spent By FG, Eight States On 2024 Hajj Pilgrims Revealed

How N100.642 Billion Spent By FG, Eight States On 2024 Hajj Pilgrims Revealed....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

To alleviate financial strain on participants in the 2024 Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca, the Federal Government and at least eight states collectively disbursed N100.642 billion in subsidies and allowances.

The 2024 Hajj spanned from June 14 to June 19.

Amidst reports that 20 states had withheld salary increments for their employees following the removal of fuel subsidies, an executive member of the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Alhaji Isiaq Kunle Sanni, clarified that the Muslim community had not solicited Hajj subsidies.

Sanni expressed concern over the government’s priorities, suggesting the funds could have been more beneficially allocated to scholarships and other critical needs.

In contrast, the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) commended the governments for their support, considering it a necessary intervention for pilgrims.

Federal Government’s Allocation
At the commencement of the 2024 Hajj airlift from Sir Ahmadu Bello International Airport, Birnin Kebbi, Vice President Kashim Shettima, representing President Bola Tinubu, disclosed the release of a N90 billion subsidy for the pilgrimage. The President’s decision aimed to address Nigeria’s economic challenges, urging pilgrims to pray for national peace, unity, and progress.

State Contributions
Similarly, several northern states prioritized the welfare of their pilgrims. While exact figures were undisclosed by most states, seven states collectively allocated N10.699 billion for their pilgrims.

Governor Contributions
Governor Nasiru Idris of Kebbi State donated N1 million to each of the 4,000 pilgrims, totaling N4 billion in subsidies.

In Plateau State, out of 1,233 pilgrims, 540 were sponsored through a N2 billion bank loan secured by the State Muslims Pilgrims Board.

Governor Abba Yusuf of Kano State subsidized N1.56 billion for 3,121 pilgrims, also providing each pilgrim with 100 Saudi Riyals, amounting to N62.42 million as a Sallah gesture.

Borno State’s government subsidized N549.945 million for 1,815 pilgrims, with each receiving N303,000.

Zamfara State allocated N257.7 million to support 1,718 pilgrims, offering each pilgrim $100 at the exchange rate of N1500 per Dollar.

Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State provided $200 and 200 Saudi Riyals to each of the 1,760 Nasarawa pilgrims, totaling N1.227 billion.

Ogun State subsidized its 1,846 pilgrims with N923 million, while Lagos State disbursed N1.042 billion to support its pilgrims.

In Niger State, 3,223 pilgrims were supported, with the state covering the cost of one ram per pilgrim for slaughter in Mecca.

Other Contributions
Several other states, including Oyo, Kwara, Kaduna, Taraba, and Bayelsa, also subsidized their pilgrims, though specific amounts were not disclosed.

NSCIA’s Perspective
Speaking in Abuja, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III, the Sultan of Sokoto, criticized the politicization of Hajj subsidies, advocating for the allocation of funds to education scholarships instead.

MURIC’s View
On the other hand, Prof. Ishaq Akintola of MURIC acknowledged the subsidy as a lifeline for pilgrims facing unforeseen currency fluctuations but reiterated the organization’s long-standing stance on government withdrawal from pilgrimage sponsorship.

In conclusion, the 2024 Hajj subsidies drew both commendation and criticism, reflecting diverse perspectives on government intervention in religious pilgrimages.

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