The Kano State Governor, Abba Yusuf, has approved a subsidy of N500,000 for each of the states intending pilgrims for the 2024 Hajj in Saudi Arabia.
This, according to the governor, is to assist intending pilgrims in the face of the current economic hardship bedevilling the nation.
The subsidy was disclosed by the Director-General of the State Pilgrims Welfare Board, Alhaji Lamin Dan-Baffa, on Wednesday in Kano.
Dan-Baffa explained that those who have already paid for the 2024 Hajj are also part of the subsidy, as N500,000 will be refunded to them.
“Considering the current economic hardship the people are facing, an increase in the Hajj fare is a great challenge to many intending pilgrims, and the subsidy is to alleviate their sufferings.
“Those who have already paid part-payment to the board will benefit from the subsidy, as over 2,900 intending pilgrims have already paid to the board.”
He also charged all intending pilgrims who want to be a part of this year’s hajj to pay, while adding that those who have made part payment should pay the remaining balance before the 29th of March, as directed by the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON).
On Sunday, News About Nigeria reported that NAHCON announced an increase in fare for the year 2024 pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia by N1,918,032.91 (N1.9 million).
NAHCON had initially pegged the fare for this year’s pilgrimage at N4.9m, but the commission is now asking those who have paid the initial amount to add a balance of N1.9m, raising the amount to N6.8m.
