Criticism has arisen from Nigerians in response to the government’s decision to allocate N90 billion for subsidizing the 2024 pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia amidst ongoing economic challenges.
A recent report by Daily Trust stated that the Nigerian Federal Government disbursed N90 billion to subsidize hajj fares.
According to the report, the commission had requested a subsidy of N230 billion, but only N90 billion was authorized.
It is worth noting that in December last year, NAHCON set the fare at N4.9 million per pilgrim based on an exchange rate of N897 per US dollar.
However, in a statement released last Sunday by spokesperson Fatima Usara, the Hajj commission increased the fare by N1,918,032.91, bringing the total cost to N6.8 millionU8 million.
Meanwhile, Nigerians on social media have expressed their discontent with the Federal Government’s N90 billion subsidy for the 2024 hajj, deeming it unnecessary and wasteful.
Here are a few reactions:
@Sarki: “The FG’s allocating N90 billion to subsidize hajj fares when many Nigerians can barely afford basic necessities like food and power is absurd.”
@Yelesowore: “It’s saddening that Nigeria keeps electing incompetent leaders who prioritize subsidizing religious trips to wealthy oil-rich countries like Saudi Arabia over addressing pressing issues like the 13 million out-of-school children begging on the streets.”
@Omotayo of Lagos: “Subsidizing Hajj is unreasonable at a time when the majority of the population is facing economic hardships. Those intending to go for Hajj likely have sufficient funds already.”
@realmuhammadd: “Allow those who can afford it to go for Hajj. This subsidy is illogical.”