Nigeria’s National Hajj Commission (NAHCON) has airlifted 18,906 Muslim pilgrims to Saudi Arabia for the 2024 Hajj pilgrimage, despite the nation’s ongoing economic hardship.
This information was revealed by NAHCON on their official social media platform. An Air Peace flight carrying 298 pilgrims from Edo State marked a significant milestone in the ongoing airlift operations. To date, a total of 45 flights have transported nearly 19,000 pilgrims.
The cost of Hajj packages for 2024 ranged from N8.2 million to N8.4 million, according to NAHCON. Additionally, Vice President Kasim Shettima confirmed that the federal government allocated N90 billion in subsidies for this year’s Hajj.
This government expenditure has drawn criticism in light of Nigeria’s economic struggles. As of April 2024, inflation rates for both general goods and food items have reached concerning heights (33.69% and 40.53%, respectively). These figures translate to a harsh reality for many Nigerians who are grappling with the rising cost of living and basic necessities.
A multidimensional poverty index published by the National Bureau of Statistics in November 2022 indicated that over 40% of Nigerians live in poverty.
The ability for so many Nigerians to perform the Hajj pilgrimage this year, despite economic hardship, highlights the deep significance this religious journey holds for many citizens. However, it also reignites conversations about the allocation of government resources during challenging economic times.
That is how our leaders keep wasting money we are meant to use and develope this nation and lavish it..
Hmmmmm it is well
I don’t even know what to say exactly concerning this
Them just dey use this Hajj movement dey finish our money for this country lately
Ask yourself why we retrogress as a nation this is one of fit, have you seen a serious country does this kind of things
Its obvious we have wicked people at the helm of affairs in this country
Problem everywhere our leader should start doing something
Nigeria’s life everybody is turning to what I don’t
Omo and we Dey talk say money no Dey
No he money dem take sponsor this people
They have people that a sponsoring mostly politicians
Some dey enjoy, while some are suffering, it’s well o
I can’t even imagine this our government acting like this… Its really unfair