N90 Billion Earmarked By Tinubu-Led Government To Offset Hajj Costs

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration has allocated a substantial sum of N90 billion to subsidize the 2024 pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia, as per reports from sources within the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), disclosed to Daily Trust on March 28.

If not for this intervention, intending pilgrims would have faced an additional cost of at least N3.5 million on top of the initial fare of N4.9 million, according to NAHCON sources.

President Tinubu had previously pledged support to Nigerians planning to undertake the 2024 Hajj pilgrimage, a commitment he reiterated during a meeting with a delegation from the Global Tijaniyya Movement at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.

Additionally, the federal government, acknowledging the concerns of the pilgrims, has provided significant financial backing for this year’s Hajj exercise, as confirmed by a source from the presidency.

NAHCON has also reached out to state governors, urging them to subsidize the Hajj fare for intending pilgrims within their states. Several states, including Kebbi, Kogi, Kano, and Osun, have taken proactive steps to support their pilgrims for the Hajj pilgrimage.

In Kebbi State, Governor Nasir Idris has authorized covering the N1.9 million increase in Hajj fare for over 4,875 pilgrims from the state.

Similarly, Governor Ahmed Ododo of Kogi State has allocated over N800 million to facilitate clearance for 460 intending pilgrims for the 2024 Hajj pilgrimage to Makkah.

Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano State has subsidized the Hajj fare with N1.4 billion, providing a subsidy of N500,000 for each intending pilgrim from the state.

Governor Nurudeen Adeleke of Osun State has pledged full support to ensure a seamless Hajj operation for pilgrims from the state.

These initiatives underscore the commitment of both the federal government and various state governments to ease the financial burden on Nigerian pilgrims and facilitate their pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia.

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