Due to the present economic hardship in the country, the House of Representatives on Thursday tasked President Bola Tinubu with subsidising the cost of this year’s Islamic pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia, fixed officially at N5 million, News About Nigeria reports.
According to the House, the N5 million fee is very high to come by now, especially for middle-class and low-income citizens who want to go for the religious experience.
The resolution to reduce the cost that pilgrims should pay was reached following the adoption of the motion moved by the member representing Makarfi/Kudan Federal Constituency, Kaduna State, Umar Ajilo, during today’s plenary.
During the plenary, Umar noted that pilgrimage is an important pillar of the Islamic religion, so individuals who are willing to go for it should not be stopped because of their financial capability.
He further noted that reducing the cost because of the current economic realities would help many Muslim faithful partake in this year’s hajj.
In his own words: “The House notes that this year’s Hajj fare has been fixed at a very exorbitant rate of about N5m which is unsuitable for middle- and low-income intending pilgrims.
“The House is concerned that, given the surrounding circumstances and prevailing economic reality, it has become necessary to reassess and review the processes and procedures adopted by the National Hajj Commission in arriving at the fare with a view to reducing it thereby making the fare affordable to the intending pilgrims.”
After the adoption of the motion by the lawmakers, the House urged the Federal Government to intervene by subsidizing the Hajj fare to enable intending pilgrims to participate in the religious ritual.
The House further revealed that the Committee on Muslim Pilgrimage would engage the National Hajj Commission to ensure that the fare is pegged at a more affordable fee for intending pilgrims.
The committee is expected to report to the House within four weeks.
