Tinubu approves N90bn Hajj subsidy, clears N24bn airline debt – NAHCON

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has highlighted key interventions by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu aimed at easing the financial burden of Nigerian pilgrims and stabilizing Hajj operations.

Speaking at a press briefing on Monday, NAHCON Chairman, Prof. Abdullahi Saleh Usman, disclosed that President Tinubu approved a ₦90 billion subsidy to support Nigerian pilgrims performing the 2024 Hajj. He noted that this intervention was a one-time approval for the year, designed to cushion the effects of rising costs and ensure that more Muslims were able to fulfill their religious obligation.

In addition, the President also settled ₦24 billion in outstanding payments owed to airlines that facilitated the 2023 Hajj operations.

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He said that despite economic headwinds and logistical challenges, Nigeria’s Hajj operations have achieved their mandate for Nigerians.

Similarly, the commission refunded N5.3 billion to State Pilgrims’ Welfare Boards for unprovided services during the 2023 Hajj.

He announced that the commission has rolled out policies to reduce Hajj fares for intending pilgrims.

“One of the most significant interventions was President Tinubu’s approval of a N90 billion subsidy for the 2024 Hajj exercise to cushion the impact of foreign exchange fluctuations on pilgrims.

“In addition, the President approved N24 billion to settle outstanding payments to 2023 Hajj airlines, rescuing local carriers from imminent collapse. The Federal Government also intervened in negotiations with airlines to accept payments in local currency, thereby shielding pilgrims from the shocks of Forex volatility.

“The administration has also expanded the Hajj Savings Scheme by partnering with more banks, allowing intending pilgrims, especially youth and low-income earners, to gradually save towards the sacred journey. Professor Usman described this as a legacy tool that will serve generations to come by instilling financial planning and easing the burden of preparation.

“In line with the anti-corruption stance of the present administration, NAHCON refunded ₦5.3 billion to State Pilgrims’ Welfare Boards for unprovided services during the 2023 Hajj. This act of transparency restored confidence, promoted accountability, and underscored the Commission’s commitment to efficient and honest service delivery.

“The Commission also amended contracts with service providers, aligning costs with the actual number of pilgrims totalling 52,544, down from an earlier projection of 95,000. This proactive adjustment prevented waste of funds and led to reductions in fares for the 2025 Hajj.

“Pilgrims’ welfare also received a boost, with 98 percent of medical supplies provided by the Federal Government. Health workers were fully mobilised to deliver round-the-clock care, ensuring the well-being of Nigerian pilgrims throughout the exercise. Cost reductions were further achieved across several service components, with pilgrims benefiting from a 720 SAR reduction for Mashair services, 200 SAR savings on Madinah accommodation, a 303 SAR reduction in transport fares, and airfare reductions of $116 for the North-Central/North-West, $149 for the North-East, and $138 for the South.

Professor Usman concluded that the progress made so far is a reflection of President Tinubu’s visionary leadership and empathy for Nigerian pilgrims.

“It is to be noted that in an attempt to reduce the 2025 Hajj fare, NAHCON amended its contract with Mashariq AL-Dhahabia to align services with the actual number of registered pilgrims (52,544), down from the initial projection of 95,000. This proactive adjustment prevented waste of funds as well as the reduction of the Hajj fare for pilgrims.”