Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, has called on the Federal Government to reconsider the high cost of Hajj, urging a reduction in the fee to alleviate the financial burdens faced by Nigerians amid ongoing economic hardships.
Governor Yusuf made the appeal at a special event organized by the Kano State Pilgrims Welfare Board, where refunds from the Saudi Arabian government were distributed to Hajj pilgrims.
These refunds were issued as compensation for a power outage during the 2023 Hajj operations.
In a statement released on Monday by his spokesperson, Sanusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, Governor Yusuf expressed his appreciation for the Saudi government’s generous action.
He also revealed plans to send an official letter of gratitude to the Saudi consulate in Kano for their understanding.
The governor further praised the National Hajj Commission for their efficient and transparent handling of the refund process, ensuring that the funds were distributed to the affected pilgrims promptly.
Alhaji Laminu Rabiu Danbaffa, the Director-General of the Kano State Pilgrims Welfare Board, disclosed that the state received a refund of ₦375 million from the National Hajj Commission, which was to be distributed among the 2023 Hajj participants.