In an effort to ease the financial strain caused by the increased Hajj fare for pilgrims from Bauchi state, Governor Bala Mohammed has sanctioned a 50% subsidy, equivalent to N950,000, for the 2024 pilgrimage to the Holy Land.
The National Hajj Commission had raised the fare for the 2024 pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia by N1,918,032.91, prompting the state government to step in and alleviate the burden.
To support the 1,652 intending pilgrims from the state, the government announced a subsidy of N959,000 per pilgrim, totaling N2.5 billion, according to a statement released on Friday by Mukhtar Gidado, the Special Adviser, Media and Publicity, to the Governor.
The governor’s office stated that this initiative was a significant move to support religious obligations and enhance the welfare of the state’s citizens. The subsidy was in response to the recent fare adjustment announced by the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCOM).
Subsidizing almost half of the additional fare, the Bauchi State Government, under Governor Bala Mohammed’s leadership, subsidized N959,025 for each of the 2,290 intending pilgrims from the state.
Additionally, the governor approved the immediate release of N2,196,110 for the subsidy fare payment, demonstrating the government’s dedication to ensuring that Muslim citizens in Bauchi State can fulfill their duty of performing the Hajj pilgrimage.
By reducing the Hajj fare, the government aims to lessen the financial strain on pilgrims, making it more accessible for citizens to take part in this sacred religious practice. This initiative also aligns with the government’s agenda of promoting inclusive governance and ensuring equal access to opportunities and resources for all citizens.