Nigerians react as FG subsidises Hajj fare with N90bn

In 2024, amid economic hardship, Nigerians have taken issue with President Bola Tinubu’s administration for allocating N90 billion to subsidize the pilgrimage to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

According to the Daily Trust, the Nigerian Federal Government reportedly spent N90 billion to subsidize hajj fares on Saturday.

The report noted that the commission required a N230 billion subsidy, but only N90 billion was granted.

According to the ZINGTIE, NAHCON set a tariff of N4.9 million for each pilgrim in December of last year, considering the exchange rate of N897 for every US dollar at that time.

However, the Hajj commission increased the cost by N1, 918,032.91, bringing the total to N6.8 million, according to a statement released last Sunday by its spokesperson, Fatima Usara.

Meanwhile, Nigerians on X called the N90 billion travel subsidy for the 2024 hajj announced by the Federal Government needless and a waste of money.

Here are a few of the responses:

@Sarki: The FG using N90 billion to subsidise hajj fare while Nigerians can’t afford two square meals or even necessities like electricity is crazy.

@Yelesowore: “These guys are the most unserious set of people; Nigeria continues to be unfortunate by (s)electing functional morons as leaders; how on earth do you have 13 million out-of-school children, abandon them with begging bowls and then turn around to subsidise those going for religious ceremonies in the wealthiest oil-rich Gulf state, Saudi Arabia.”

@Omotayo of Lagos: “This is a lame move, though; even God stated that you only go for Hajj if you can afford to do so; subsidising Hajj when the masses are struggling to eat and survive is unnecessary. I’m sure those who want to go for Hajj already have more than enough money in their bank account.

@realmuhammadd: “They should let whoever can afford it go to Hajj. This doesn’t make sense.”

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