NAHCON provides breakdown of N90 billion Hajj subsidy

The Chairman of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Malam Jalal Ahmad Arabi, has given an insight into how the commission has utilised the N90 billion grant from the Federal Government to bridge the payment arrears for Hajj tickets for pilgrims in 2024.

Speaking at a global press conference on the challenges and successes of the 2024 Hajj in Abuja yesterday, Arabi said the Private Tour Operators (PTO) pilgrims would not be covered by the intervention as the federal government has requested the commission to give priority to pilgrims who fall under the government quota in the distribution of the N90 billion subsidy.

He said the committee also reasoned that the N90 billion intervention approved by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was an initiative that was mainly targeted at pilgrims who fall under the government quota and who are less financially strong.

“Firstly, the Federal Government had requested NAHCON to give priority to pilgrims under the government quota in the N90 billion intervention because pilgrims in this category are those who have long been paying their Hajj money for the pilgrimage. Secondly, the committee reasoned with the PTOs that they are businessmen and women in the pilgrimage sector whose clients are mainly from the well-to-do in the society. Therefore, the committee, as advised, maintained its position that the N90 billion intervention approved by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was an initiative primarily targeted at pilgrims under the government quota whose financial status is not so strong,” Arabi.

The NAHCON Chairman stressed that despite the reservations of some individuals, the 2024 Hajj was a success and praised the cooperation and coordination with stakeholders including the State Pilgrims’ Welfare Boards and some tour operators.

He said that under his leadership, the committee remains committed to improving processes that will enhance services to pilgrims in future activities in the Holy Land.

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“As we reflect on the challenges overcome and the successes achieved, I am proud to report that despite the reservations made that we recognize were within individual rights, the 2024 Hajj was a success. This board under my leadership remains committed to learning from these experiences and improving our processes to better serve pilgrims in future endeavors. NAHCON will continue to assess and improve our processes to better serve pilgrims and uphold the sanctity and significance of the Hajj.”