Criticism has been directed at President Bola Tinubu’s administration for allocating N90 billion to subsidize the 2024 pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia amidst economic challenges.
A recent report by Daily Trust revealed that the Nigerian Federal Government disbursed N90 billion to subsidize hajj fares.
Although the commission initially sought a subsidy of N230 billion, only N90 billion was granted for this purpose.
It is worth noting that NAHCON had set the pilgrimage fare at N4.9 million per pilgrim in December last year, based on an exchange rate of N897 per US dollar.
However, in a statement released last Sunday by spokesperson Fatima Usara, the Hajj commission announced a fare increase of N1,918,032.91, bringing the total cost to N6.8 million.
Meanwhile, Nigerians on social media platforms have criticized the unnecessary expenditure of N90 billion by the Federal Government to subsidize the 2024 hajj pilgrimage. Here are some of their reactions:
@Sarki expressed disbelief at the government’s allocation of N90 billion for hajj subsidies while many Nigerians struggle to meet basic needs like food and electricity.
@Yelesowore criticized the leadership for prioritizing Hajj subsidies over the education and welfare of millions of out-of-school children in the country.
@Omotayo of Lagos described the subsidy as unjustified, emphasizing that individuals undertaking Hajj should be able to afford it without government assistance.
@realmuhammadd questioned the rationale behind subsidizing Hajj fares, suggesting that only those who can afford it should participate.