The Nigerian government declared that N90 billion has been used to offset the expense of its citizens’ 2024 Hajj travel.
This information was revealed on Wednesday by Vice-President Kashim Shettima at the opening of the 2024 National Hajj operation at the Sir Ahmadu Bello International Airport in Birnin Kebbi, the state capital of Kebbi.
“You may recall that this year, we had a major challenge in announcing the final hajj fare for the 2024 Muslim pilgrimage due to fluctuation in foreign exchange rates,” Shettima was quoted as saying by the News Agency of Nigeria.
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“Bola Tinubu also works round the clock to control the downward spiral of our local currency to bring relief to our pilgrims and other Nigerians.
“A move that eventually succeeded in lowering the fare. Tinubu approved the release of N90 billion to subsidize the cost of pilgrimage for this year’s hajj.
“Due to this high regard, the government took time to carefully select men of integrity with administrative acumen and records of selfless dedication to manage the affairs of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria in the interest of Nigerian pilgrims.
“Government at the highest level monitors all arrangements meant for the well-being of our pilgrims both in Saudi Arabia and within the country before embarking on the journey.
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“We are aware of the provision put in place for the safety, security and comfort of the Nigerian contingent to the 2024 hajj of our pilgrims.”
“Indeed, it is through our collective prayers and individual contributions that our country will prosper,” Mr Shettima added.
The Kwara State Pilgrims Welfare Board responded by stating that at least 100 state-based pilgrims would not be able to make the Hajj this year because they could not afford the extra N1.9 million needed for the revised fee.
The agency’s executive secretary, Alhaji AbdulSalam Abdulkadir, disclosed this information in April during a programme designed to raise awareness among prospective pilgrims.
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