2024 Hajj: FG, 8 States Spend N100.6bn to Support Pilgrims

The Federal Government and eight states collectively spent N100.642 billion to subsidize and provide allowances for pilgrims participating in the 2024 Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca, held from June 14 to June 19. This substantial expenditure came amid criticism from various quarters about the government’s spending priorities, particularly given the refusal of over 20 states to pay wage awards to their workers following the removal of the fuel subsidy.

Alhaji Isiaq Kunle Sanni, an executive member of the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), expressed concerns over the subsidies, arguing that the Muslim community did not request such financial support and suggesting that the funds could have been better allocated to scholarships and other pressing needs. Conversely, the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) praised the government’s decision, describing it as a necessary lifeline for pilgrims.

Federal Government’s Contribution

Vice President Kashim Shettima, representing President Bola Tinubu at the inauguration of the 2024 Hajj airlift at Sir Ahmadu Bello International Airport, disclosed that the Federal Government spent N90 billion on subsidies. The Vice President highlighted that this initiative was taken to alleviate the economic pressures on pilgrims and urged them to pray for Nigeria’s peace and progress.

State Contributions

Various states also made significant financial commitments to support their pilgrims, with some prioritizing these subsidies over wage awards for their workers:

Kebbi State: Governor Nasiru Idris allocated N4 billion, providing N1 million to each of the 4,000 pilgrims.

Plateau State: Sponsored 540 of its 1,233 pilgrims with a N2 billion bank loan.

Kano State: Governor Abba Yusuf announced a N500,000 subsidy per pilgrim for 3,121 pilgrims, totaling N1.56 billion. Additionally, he gave each pilgrim 100 Saudi Riyals, amounting to N62.42 million.

Borno State: Subsidized 1,815 pilgrims with N303,000 each, totaling approximately N550 million.

Zamfara State: Supported 1,718 pilgrims with $100 each, equivalent to N257.7 million.

Nasarawa State: Governor Abdullahi Sule provided $200 and 200 Riyals to each of the 1,760 pilgrims, totaling N1.23 billion.

Ogun and Lagos States: Ogun spent N119.56 million, while Lagos disbursed N923 million for 1,846 pilgrims.

Niger State: Provided rams for sacrifice for its 3,223 pilgrims without direct travel subsidies.

Other States: Various states, including Oyo, Kwara, Kaduna, and Taraba, either did not disclose their spending or provided partial subsidies. Bayelsa State fully sponsored 10 out of 13 pilgrims.

Controversy Over Priorities

The expenditure on Hajj subsidies has sparked a debate over government priorities. Sanni of NSCIA criticized the move, stating that the Muslim community did not ask for the subsidies and suggesting that the funds could have been used for more critical needs like education and scholarships. He pointed out that Hajj is not compulsory for those who cannot afford it.

On the other hand, MURIC’s Executive Director, Prof. Ishaq Akintola, defended the subsidies, arguing that they were a necessary response to the economic challenges faced by pilgrims who had already paid significant sums before the naira’s devaluation.