Kano, March 27, 2024 – Abba Yusuf, the Kano State Governor on Wednesday approved N500,000 subsidy for each of the 2,096 intending Muslim pilgrims from the state for the 2024 Hajj exercise.
The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has requested each intending pilgrim to pay additional N1.9 million for the 2024 Hajj fare.
Lamin Dan Baffa, the Director General of Kano State Pilgrims Welfare Board, announced this at a media briefing, held on Wednesday in Kano.
He said that the state government would cover the total sum of N1.4 billion for the 2,096 registered pilgrims from the state.
Dan Baffa cited the recent hike in Hajj fare by NAHCON, attributed to the instability of the exchange rate, and acknowledged the economic challenges faced by many intending pilgrims.
He saidt the subsidy initiative was introduced to alleviate the financial strain on the intending pilgrims.
With the subsidy in place, each intending pilgrims from Kano State is still expected to muster the remaining N1.4 million to meet the stipulated N1.9 million demanded by NAHCON. (GBN)