Vice-President, Kashim Shettima had disclised that President Bola Tinubu’s administration had subsidized the cost 2024 Hajj pilgrimage with N90 billion.
Shettima made this known at the inauguration of the 2024 National Hajj operation, which was held at the Sir Ahmadu Bello International Airport, Birnin-Kebbi, Kebbi State capital.
According to him, the Government of ‘Renewed Hope’ led by Tinubu, attaches immense importance to religious pilgrimage due to the role its plays in transforming behavioral and social vices of the believers beyond performing the pilgrimage.
He said: ”Due to this high regard, the Government took time to carefully select men of integrity, with administrative acumen and records of selfless dedication to manage the affairs of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria, (NAHCON), in the interest of Nigerian pilgrims.
”Government at the highest level monitors all arrangements meant for the well being of our pilgrims both in Saudi Arabia and within the country before embarking on the journey.
”We are aware of the provision put in place for the safety, security and comfort of the Nigerian contingent to the 2024 hajj of our pilgrims”.
Shettima urged the pilgrims not to relent in praying for the success of Tinubu’s administration, peace and progress of the country that ” we are proud to call our motherland. Indeed, it is through our collective prayers and individual contributions that our country will prosper”, Shettima said.
Earlier, the Sultan of Sokoto His Eminence, Sa’ad Abubakar III, tasked Nigerian pilgrims on disciplined in order to project the image of Nigeria positively.
He thanked the Tinubu-led Federal Government for its effort to ensure that the 2024 hajj takes place.
Recall that NAHCON has stated that all outbound flights from Nigeria to Saudi Arabia for the 2024 Hajj pilgrimage will be completed by June 10 or before. No fewer than 50,000 Nigerian intending pilgrims will perform the 2024 Hajj in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
The Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah had allocated 95,000 Hajj slots to Nigeria for the 2024 pilgrimage.
