Gov Yusuf Urges Federal Government to Reduce 2025 Hajj Fare Amid Economic Challenges

Governor Abba Yusuf of Kano State has urged the Federal Government to lower the Hajj fees due to the economic difficulties affecting citizens.

This is included in a statement released on Tuesday by the governor’s spokesperson, Sanusi Bature Dawakin Tofa.

According to the statement, Yusuf issued the appeal during an event organized by the State Pilgrims Welfare Board for refunding money returned by the Saudi Arabian Government because of a power outage that occurred during the 2023 Hajj operations.

The governor also praised the Saudi Arabian government for its thoughtful gesture and concern for humanity, according to the statement.

He pledged to send a letter of appreciation to the Saudi Government via its Consulate in Kano.

He also praised the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) for its careful management and prompt financial payments.

Yusuf praised the pilgrims board for successfully conducting the 2024 Hajj, which was considered the best in the country. He encouraged them to maintain this level of excellence in future Hajj operations.

He revealed that he traveled to Saudi Arabia a few weeks ago to perform the lesser Hajj and begin preparations for the next Hajj, aiming to pinpoint areas where further intervention by the state government might be necessary.

In his speech, the state’s Deputy Governor, Comrade Aminu Abdulsalam Gwarzo, who led the 2024 Kano State Hajj Delegation, expressed gratitude for the governor’s support to the pilgrims before, during, and after their pilgrimage.

Alhaji Laminu Danbaffa, the Director-General of the board, announced that a total of N375 million had been refunded through NAHCON for distribution to state pilgrims who participated in the 2023 Hajj.