Kano State Governor, Abba Yusuf, has taken a significant step to alleviate the financial burden on Kano intending pilgrims participating in this year’s Hajj pilgrimage.
Each pilgrim registered under the Kano State Pilgrims Welfare Board will receive a subsidy of N500,000, as confirmed by the Board’s Director General, Alhaji Lamin Dan Baffa, during a press briefing on Wednesday.
The decision was prompted by the recent hike in Hajj fares by the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), attributed to the instability of the foreign exchange rate.
Dan Baffa emphasized the economic challenges faced by many intending pilgrims and stated that the subsidy initiative aims to ease their financial strain.
Intending pilgrims are urged to settle the balance of their fares by March 28, 2024, as directed by NAHCON.
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The subsidy is applicable to those who have already made part payments to the board, with over 2,900 intending pilgrims already benefiting from this initiative.
NAHCON’s recent announcement indicated a total Hajj fare of N6,617,032.91, reflecting an increase of N1,918,032.91.
New intending pilgrims are required to pay N8,254,464.74 as the full Hajj fare for this year, as mandated by NAHCON.
The subsidy provided by the Kano State Government underscores its commitment to supporting the religious aspirations of its citizens amidst economic challenges, ensuring that all eligible pilgrims can fulfill their Hajj obligations without undue financial strain.
