The Federal Government of Nigeria has announced the N90 Billion subsidy for the 2024 pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia.
Vice President Kashim Shettima, who made the announcement today, May 15, at the commencement of the airlift operations of the intending pilgrims to the Holy land recalled: “this year, we had a major challenge in announcing the final hajj fare for the 2024 Muslim pilgrimage due to fluctuation in foreign exchange rates.
“President Bola Tinubu also works round the clock to control the downwards spiral of our local currency to bring relief to our pilgrims and other Nigerians, a move that eventually succeeded in lowering the fare.
“The President approved the release of N90 billion to Subsidize the pilgrimage cost for this year’s hajj.”
The first flight took place in Birnin Kebbi, the capital of Kebbi State, with first batch of pilgrims to Saudi Arabia.
On hand to witness the ceremonial first flight were the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Abubakar Sa’ad III, Chairman of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Jalal Arabi and Kebbi state Governor amongst others.