Muslim Religious Leaders have urged President Bola Tinubu to intervene in the rising cost of this year’s Hajj pilgrimage.
Sheikh Yahaya Jingir of Jos during this year’s tafsir in Plateau State highlighted President Tinubu’s compassion and requested his support in alleviating the burden on pilgrims.
Also Sheikh Kabiru Gombe during his tafsir in Abuja emphasized the importance of helping Nigerian pilgrims perform Hajj and called for government intervention, including potential financial assistance.
Both scholars urged the government, particularly President Bola Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima to consider helping the payment for the 50,000 intending pilgrims who had already registered and paid.
Sheikh Gombe further appealed to Muslim state governors to step in if the federal government doesn’t act.
The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) announced an unexpected increase of N1.9 million this week, bringing the total cost to N6.8 million, up from N4.9 million.
For those registering for the first time (fresh depositors), the total Hajj fare for the 2024 season is N8,254,464.74.
All categories, both existing and new registrants, must complete their payments by the same deadline of March 28th, 2024.
This hike has caused significant hardship for many intending pilgrims, with some facing the possibility of forfeiting their Hajj journey due to the short deadline.
Adamu Yusuf