By Abiola Olawale
Nigerians have begun to react to the latest revelation from Vice President Kashim Shettima that the Federal Government has approved the disbursement of about N90 billion to subsidise the cost of the 2024 Hajj pilgrimage.
Shettima made this known, on Wednesday while speaking at the inauguration of the 2024 National Hajj held at Sir Ahmadu Bello International Airport, Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi State capital.
According to him, the development is in line with the Renewed Hope agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. He added that the president attaches immense importance to religious pilgrimage due to the role it plays in the behavioural and social vices of the believers beyond performing the pilgrimage.
He said: “You may recall that this year, we had a major challenge in announcing the final hajj fare for the 2024 Muslim pilgrimage due to fluctuation in foreign exchange rates.
“President Bola Tinubu also worked round the clock to control the downward spiral of our local currency to bring relief to our pilgrims and other Nigerians.
“A move that eventually succeeded in lowering the fare. The president approved the release of N90 billion to subsidise the cost of pilgrimage for this year’s Hajj.”
“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 in the interest of Nigerian pilgrims.
“Government at the highest level monitors all arrangements meant for the wellbeing 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,” he said.
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.
Meanwhile, Shettima’s remarks have sparked mixed reactions. Some have praised the government for showing compassion, while others have criticized the government for spending N90 billion to subsidize the Hajj pilgrimage while the country is facing numerous economic challenges.
Here are some of the reactions curated from the social media;
“A whooping N90 billion Naira for Hajj in a single fiscal year???
“A country with a 40% food inflation?
Forget.. APC is a coven being operated in broad daylight.”(@Esteem)
“Politics aside, every govt in Nigeria will pay for Hajj, especially in their first tenure. You see religion matters in Nigeria, it has a big say in our electoral process.
“Religious leaders are too powerful in this country, be it Christianity, Islam or traditional.”(@logical_phyer)
“Over 10.5 Million children are out of school in Northern Nigeria, there is an unprecedented water scarcity with millions lacking potable water, but this clueless Tinubu government spent N90 Billion “to subsidize Hajj pilgrimage.”
“This country will mess up your sense of reasoning. I am tired!”(@FS_YUSUF)
“Petrol is Selling for N1000 per litre,
But FG approved a N100 billion Naira subsidy for just 6 days of Hajj this year.
“what is the economic benefit to Nigeria from those that participated in that Hajj?”(UbongabCardinal)
“I must commend President Tinubu for paying subsidy on Hajj.
This will mean a good number of people will travel to the holy land and pray simultaneously for our dear country.
“Never underestimate the power of prayers”(Arewa_Source)
“What are the economic benefits of hajj?
“Nigerians are dealing with inflation & zero purchasing power, fuel scarcity, acute poverty & hunger, crippling exchange rate, hike in electricity tariffs but the government decides to subsidize the cost of hajj with a whooping N90bn?!”(@Harry_Chisom20)
