Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State has approved 50% subsidy, representing N950,000 of the hajj fare increase, for each intending pilgrim in the state.
In a statement on Friday, the governor said considering the economic hardship being experienced in the country, he has approved the payment of half of the hajj fee recently increased.
“I have paid N950,000 for each intending pilgrim of Bauchi state, that is 50% of the increase. I have also directed the commission at the state level to refund to pilgrims the amount we subsidised, and take for those who have not paid theirs before the deadline.” the Governor announced.
Daily Trust reports that the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) had last week increased the fare for this year’s pilgrimmage to Saudi Arabia by N1,918,032.91, setting a deadline of March 28, 2024, and attributing the increase to the forex crisis the country has been going through for months.
The federal government, as part of efforts to ameliorate the economic pressure the hajj fare increase could mount on intending pilgrims, had released a sum of N90 billion to subsidise the 2024 pilgrimage to the Holy land.
Other states such as Kano, Kebbi, Kogi, and Ogun have also provided subsidies to their intending pilgrims.
