Nigerians react as FG subsidises Hajj fare with N90 billion

The report noted that the commission needed a N230 billion subsidy, but N90 billion was approved.

It can be recalled that NAHCON had, in December last year, fixed a fare of N4.9 million per pilgrim based on the exchange rate of N897 per US dollar.

However, through a statement issued last Sunday by its spokesperson, Fatima Usara, the Hajj commission had raised the fare by N1, 918,032.91, hiking the total amount to N6.8 million.

In the meantime, Nigerians on X described the Federal Government’s N90 billion fare subsidy for the 2024 hajj as unnecessary and a waste.

Below are some of the reactions:

@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.”