The Nigerian populace has expressed strong disapproval towards President Bola Tinubu’s administration for allocating a staggering N90 billion to subsidize the 2024 pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia, amidst a backdrop of economic strife.
Reports have emerged that the Nigerian Federal Government has earmarked N90 billion to offset hajj fares. As of December last year, a fixed fare of N4.9 million per pilgrim was established, based on an exchange rate of N897 per US dollar.
However, in a recent statement released by its spokesperson, Fatima Usara, the Hajj commission announced an increase in the fare by N1, 918,032.91, escalating the total cost to N6.8 million.
Meanwhile, a wave of criticism has swept across Nigerians on X, who have branded the Federal Government’s N90 billion fare subsidy for the 2024 hajj as both unnecessary and wasteful.
Here are some of the reactions:
@Sarki: “It’s outrageous that the Federal Government is using N90 billion to subsidize hajj fares while Nigerians struggle to afford basic necessities like food and electricity.”
@Yelesowore: “This administration is the epitome of irresponsibility. It’s a tragedy that Nigeria continues to elect inept leaders. With 13 million children out of school and left to beg, it’s absurd to subsidize religious ceremonies in the oil-rich Gulf state, Saudi Arabia.”
@Omotayo of Lagos: “This move is misguided. Even God stated that Hajj should only be undertaken by those who can afford it. Subsidizing Hajj when the masses are struggling to survive is unnecessary. Those who wish to go for Hajj likely have sufficient funds.”
@realmuhammadd: “Hajj should be for those who can afford it. This subsidy doesn’t make sense.”
The report highlighted that the commission required a N230 billion subsidy, but only N90 billion was approved.
