Kebbi and Jigawa States Approve Hajj Subsidy for Prospective Pilgrims

The Kebbi and Jigawa state governments have approved significant subsidies for prospective pilgrims embarking on the 2024 Hajj pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia.

Kebbi State Governor, Nasir Idris, has announced a subsidy of N3.34 billion for 3,344 prospective pilgrims from the state.

This decision was made to facilitate the complete payment of additional fares of about N2 million announced by the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON).

The state government has offset N1 million for each pilgrim, with the remaining balance to be paid by the individuals.

The move is part of the governor’s efforts to uphold religious values for societal peace and tranquility.

Similarly, Jigawa State Governor, Malam Umar Namadi, has approved a subsidy of N1 million for each prospective pilgrim from the state participating in the 2024 Hajj exercise.

This subsidy aims to alleviate the financial burden on intending pilgrims, who have been affected by a sudden hike in fares.

The Jigawa State Pilgrims Welfare Board has urged pilgrims to ensure they pay the remaining balance of N900,000 to the board.

In another development, Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has also demonstrated his support for Muslim citizens by approving the payment of N1.9 million extra fees for each of the 42 intending pilgrims from the state.

This gesture has been commended by Hajiya Zainab Musa, the commissioner representing the South-South at NAHCON, who called on other governors in the region to follow suit and support Muslims in their respective states to complete the hajj fare.

These subsidies and support from the state governments reflect the importance of religious freedom and the commitment to facilitating the spiritual journey of their Muslim citizens.

The Hajj pilgrimage, one of the five pillars of Islam, is an essential religious obligation for Muslims who are physically and financially capable.

It is a time when millions of Muslims from around the world gather in Mecca to perform acts of worship and strengthen their faith.