President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration has reportedly allocated N90 billion to subsidize the 2024 pilgrimage to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Sources within the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) disclosed this information to Daily Trust on Thursday, March 28.
According to NAHCON sources, the intervention aims to alleviate the financial burden on intending pilgrims, who would have faced additional costs of at least N3.5 million on top of the initial fare set at N4.9 million.
President Tinubu had previously pledged support to Nigerians planning to embark on the 2024 Hajj pilgrimage. This commitment was made during a meeting with a delegation from the Global Tijaniyya Movement, led by Khalifa Muhammad Mahe Niass, at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
Confirming the federal government’s significant financial support for this year’s Hajj exercise, a presidency source stated, “Of course, the federal government has offered support for the pilgrims because the pilgrims have been lamenting.”
In addition to the federal government’s intervention, NAHCON reached out to state governors, urging them to subsidize the Hajj fare for intending pilgrims within their respective states.
Several states have responded by taking steps to support intending pilgrims for the Hajj pilgrimage:
- In Kebbi State, Governor Nasir Idris has approved covering the additional N1.9 million increase in Hajj fare for pilgrims, ensuring over 4,875 pilgrims from the state can embark on the Hajj journey to Saudi Arabia.
- In Kogi State, Governor Ahmed Ododo allocated over N800 million to secure clearance for 460 intending pilgrims for the 2024 Hajj pilgrimage to Makkah. The Kogi State Hajj Commission facilitated full payment through participation in the Hajj Savings Scheme organized by NAHCON.
- Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano State subsidized the Hajj fare with N1.4 billion, providing a subsidy of N500,000 for each intending pilgrim from the state. This initiative covers the expenses for 2,096 registered pilgrims, reducing their payment from N1.9 million to N1.4 million.
- In Osun State, Governor Nurudeen Adeleke pledged full support to ensure a smooth Hajj operation for pilgrims from the state. Governor Adeleke reaffirmed this commitment during the groundbreaking ceremony of the Osun State Hajj Camp in Osogbo, expressing determination to provide assistance akin to divine support received.
These initiatives reflect concerted efforts by both federal and state governments to facilitate the Hajj pilgrimage for Nigerian citizens, underscoring the importance of ensuring access to religious obligations while easing financial constraints.
