The Kano State Government, led by Abba Kabir Yusuf, has approved a N1.4 billion subsidy for the 2024 Hajj, granting intending pilgrims N500,000 each.
Rabiu Lami Dan’bappa, the Director General of the Kano State Pilgrims’ Welfare Board, revealed the subsidy aims to alleviate the financial strain on pilgrims struggling to meet the payment deadline.
The subsidy announcement follows the National Hajj Commission’s increase in the 2024 Hajj fares, attributing the rise to foreign exchange rate fluctuations, which added an extra ₦1.9 million to the cost for pilgrims.
Intending pilgrims desiring to join the 2024 Hajj must pay the remaining balance of N1,918,032.91 by 11:59 pm on March 28th, 2024, as stated by NAHCON.
Dan’bappa further explained that the government’s subsidy covers N500,000 of the new N1.9 million fare hike for each pilgrim from Kano. `
Consequently, Kano pilgrims are expected to pay approximately N1.4 million as the complete fare.
The Director-General of the Kano board highlighted that the subsidy is limited to 2,906 registered intending pilgrims, noting that those not included within this number must adhere to the official rate set by NAHCON.
He urged the Federal Government to intervene with the Saudi Arabian authorities to postpone the payment deadline beyond 28th March 2024, to allow additional participants to finalize their payments.
In response to concerns raised by prospective pilgrims to Saudi Arabia for the lesser Hajj (Umrah) regarding visa issuance, NAHCON has issued a statement.
Through its spokesperson, Fatima Sanda Usara, the Commission acknowledged that the difficulties Nigerian Muslims are encountering in securing Umrah visas to travel to Saudi Arabia during Ramadan are largely due to the abuse of the visa issuance privileges.
She explained that Umrah visas are distributed to countries based on set quotas, and the cost for Ramadan Umrah visas is typically higher.
“The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has increased the visa validity to 90 days. Many Nigerians have taken advantage of this, securing visas at lower costs during non-Ramadan periods, intending to use them for Umrah in the holy month,” Fatima stated.
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She noted that some individuals have misused the extended visa validity by either overstaying in the kingdom or not using their visas until Ramadan, causing a shortage of visa slots for others.
“The surge in demand for Umrah visas during Ramadan has worsened this shortage, preventing many Nigerians from performing their religious duties. Occasionally, a few visas become available when Nigerians leave Saudi Arabia, but acquiring these limited slots is uncertain, so pilgrims are advised to plan wisely,” the statement continued.
“NAHCON is actively addressing this issue, with the Saudi Liaison Officer holding talks with the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah. Although the discussions are positive, visa allocations are determined by a computerized system,” she added.
The Commission is determined to find a satisfactory solution.
“The NAHCON assures all Nigerian Umrah aspirants of its dedication to resolving this problem,” said the spokesperson.
“NAHCON is earnestly working with all relevant parties to ensure a satisfactory outcome for the issue of visa accessibility.”
