The Federal House of Representatives has urged the administration led by President Bola Tinubu to reduce the cost of this year’s Islamic pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia, officially fixed at N5 million. The motion, titled “Need to review the 2024 Hajj fare payable by intending pilgrims,” was adopted during Thursday’s plenary.
Umar Ajilo, representing Makarfi/Kudan Federal Constituency, Kaduna State, led the debate, emphasizing the importance of pilgrimage in the Islamic religion. He noted that the N5 million fare is exorbitant and unsuitable for middle- and low-income intending pilgrims.
The House expressed concern about the economic reality and urged the Federal Government to reassess the processes and procedures adopted by the National Hajj Commission to arrive at the fare. The aim is to make the fare more affordable for intending pilgrims.
In response, the House mandated the Committee on Muslim Pilgrimage to engage the National Hajj Commission in reviewing and reassessing processes and strategies. The goal is to ensure that the pilgrimage fare becomes more affordable. The committee is expected to report to the House within four weeks.
