Kano State Governor, Abba Yusuf, has called on the Federal Government to reduce the 2025 Hajj fare to make the pilgrimage more accessible for intending pilgrims.
The governor made the appeal during an event organised by the Kano State Pilgrims Welfare Board to refund money remitted by Saudi Arabian authorities due to a power outage experienced during the 2023 Hajj exercise.
This was disclosed in a statement issued by his media aide, Sanusi Bature, on Tuesday in Kano.
Governor Yusuf said the Federal Government needs to take into account the economic realities of citizens while setting the cost of Hajj.
He stated, “The call is imperative in view of the economic challenges being faced by the citizens.”
Commending the Saudi Arabian Government for its gesture of refunding affected pilgrims, the governor announced his intention to send an official letter of appreciation to the Saudi Kingdom through its Consulate in Kano.
He also praised the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) for its prudence and timely refund process as well as the state pilgrims board for successfully organising the 2024 Hajj.
He urged the board to maintain the same high standard of service delivery in subsequent exercises.
Yusuf, who recently performed the Lesser Hajj in Saudi Arabia, said Kano State had already commenced preparations for the 2025 Hajj.
The early planning, he said, was aimed at identifying areas requiring further intervention to enhance the experience of pilgrims.
The Deputy Governor of Kano State and Head of the 2024 Hajj Delegation, Aminu Abdulsalam, also commended Governor Yusuf for his unwavering support for the state pilgrims board.
Laminu Danbaffa, the Director-General of the board, revealed during the event that N375 million had been disbursed to pilgrims as refunds for the 2023 Hajj exercise.
Governor Yusuf’s advocacy for a reduction in Hajj fares aligns with his administration’s commitment to ensuring citizens’ welfare and addressing the financial challenges limiting their ability to fulfill religious obligations.
