Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State has authorized a 50% subsidy, amounting to N950,000, for each prospective pilgrim from the state in response to the recent hike in hajj fares. In a statement issued on Friday, the governor acknowledged the prevailing economic challenges in the country and approved the payment of half of the recently increased hajj fee,Daily Trust reports.
“I have allocated N950,000 for each intending pilgrim from Bauchi state, covering 50% of the increase. Furthermore, I have instructed the state commission to reimburse the subsidized amount to pilgrims and facilitate payments for those who have not met the deadline,” announced the Governor.
According to reports from Daily Trust, the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) raised the fare for this year’s pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia by N1,918,032.91, setting a deadline of March 28, 2024. This increase was attributed to the prolonged forex crisis in the country.
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In efforts to ease the economic burden posed by the hike in hajj fares, the federal government allocated N90 billion to subsidize the 2024 pilgrimage to the Holy land. Additionally, states like Kano, Kebbi, Kogi, and Ogun have also offered subsidies to their prospective pilgrims.
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