To alleviate the financial burden of the increased Hajj fare on pilgrims from the state, Bauchi governor, Bala Mohammed has approved a 50 per cent subsidy, amounting to N950,000, for the 2024 pilgrimage to the Holy Land.
The National Hajj Commission increased the fare for the 2024 pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia by N1,918,032.91.
Concerned over the development, the state government said it will pay a subsidy of N959,000 for each of the 1,652 intending pilgrims from the state, totalling N2.5 billion.
This was disclosed in a statement on Friday by Mukhtar Gidado, the Special Adviser, Media and Publicity, to the Governor.
The statement reads: “In a landmark decision aimed at facilitating religious obligations and enhancing the welfare of its citizens, His Excellency, the Governor of Bauchi State, has approved the subsidy of Hajj fare for all intending pilgrims from the state.
“This historic move was sequel to the recent announcement by the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCOM) on the adjustment of the 2024 Hajj fare, where intending pilgrims are now required to pay an additional sum of one million, nine hundred and eighteen thousand fifty naira (N1,918,050) only.
“In line with the foregoing, the Bauchi State Government, under the inspirational leadership of Governor Bala Mohammed, has subsidised the sum of nine hundred and fifty-nine thousand, twenty-five naira (N959,025.00), which stands at 50% of the above additional fare for each of the 2,290 intending pilgrims from Bauchi State.”
“In view of the above development, the governor has equally approved the immediate release of the sum of two billion one hundred and ninety-six thousand, one hundred and ten naira (N2,196,110) only for the payment of the subsidy fare.
“This unprecedented development underscores the government’s commitment to ensuring that Muslim faithful in Bauchi State have the opportunity to fulfil their sacred duty of performing the Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca, one of the five pillars of Islam.”
“By subsidising the Hajj fare, the government aims to alleviate the financial burden on intending pilgrims, thereby enabling more citizens to participate in this revered religious obligation. This initiative also aligns with the government’s efforts to promote inclusive governance and ensure that every citizen has equal access to opportunities and resources.”