The 2024 intending pilgrims in Kebbi State is to be assisted with a sum of N1million each as an intervention by the State Government.
The state Commissioner for Information and Culture, Yakubu Ahmed, disclosed this while addressing a press conference shortly after an emergency State Executive Council meeting chaired by the deputy governor, Umar Abubakar-Tafida, on Monday in Birnin Kebbi, the state capital.
The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria had said pilgrims who registered for the 2024 Hajj before the previous deadline of February 12 will now have to pay a balance of N1.9m following the current exchange rate.
The commissioner stated that out of over 3,000 intending pilgrims from the state, the government promised to support each with N1m, while each of the pilgrims “is expected to complete the remaining balance of over N900,000.”
The commissioner who expressed satisfaction over the gesture, called on prospective pilgrims to balance the remaining pilgrimage fee to perform Hajj.
Ahmed said, “Out of about N2m requested by NAHCON as additional fares, Kebbi Government has offset N1m for each pilgrim while the remaining balance should be paid by individual pilgrim to complete payment.
“Pilgrims who completed payment of the fares would also enjoy the N1m magnanimity from the government”.
Ahmed recalled that recently, members of a committee from the Federal Ministry of Aviation visited the Sir Ahmadu Bello International Airport, Birnin Kebbi, where they commended the state government for the airport facilities.
He said the committee members were excited with what they met on the ground and assured all that the airport had all that it takes for the airlift of pilgrims in the 2024 Hajj exercise.
More Stories
Alleged fraud: I have never met Emefiele, I didn’t give him bribe for contract – Witness tells court
I won’t contest if…– Atiku
North-East govs lampoon TCN over alleged nonchalant attitude to blackout