Jigawa Pilgrims Receive N3.3 Billion Subsidy for Hajj 2024
From Mika’il Tsoho, Dutse
The intending pilgrims for the 2024 Hajj exercise from Jigawa State have received a cost subsidy of N3.369.6 billion from the Federal and State governments.
This was disclosed by Alhaji Umar Lobbo, the Director-General of the Jigawa State Pilgrims and Welfare Board, while updating journalists on the preparations for the 2024 Hajj exercise.
According to Lobbo, the total cost per Hajj seat is almost N8 million, with the government paying N2.6 million as subsidy, leaving each intending pilgrim to pay only N5,617,042.91.
The Federal Government paid N1.6 million, while the Jigawa State Government paid N1 million to each of the 1,296 intending pilgrims in the state.
Lobbo also stated that the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria allocated 1,518 Hajj seats to Jigawa, out of which 1,296 seats have already been occupied by the intending pilgrims.
He assured that the state is ready for the 2024 Hajj operation, as the board has completed all necessary arrangements.
The preparations include orientation for all intending pilgrims, visa processing, medical checkup and injection, as well as the distribution of all needed materials, including uniforms.
The board has also constituted 45-member groups, each headed by one man and assisted by one woman, to guide the pilgrims during the exercise. Additionally, 12 committees have been set up for the operation, covering general coordination, camp and airport, advance party and transportation, among others.
