The House of Representatives has urged the President Bola Tinubu-led administration to bring down the cost of this year’s Islamic pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia, fixed officially for N5m.
The resolution followed the adoption of the motion moved by the member representing Makarfi/Kudan Federal Constituency, Kaduna State, Umar Ajilo, during Thursday’s plenary.
Leading the debate on the floor of the House on the motion titled, “Need to review the 2024 Hajj fare payable by intending pilgrims,” Ajilo described pilgrimage as an important pillar of the Islamic religion “That enjoins the visitation of the Holy Mosques and other historical sites, among other significant rituals in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.”
“The House notes that this year’s Hajj fare has been fixed at a very exorbitant rate of about N5m which is unsuitable for middle- and low-income intending pilgrims.
“The House is concerned that, given the surrounding circumstances and prevailing economic reality, it has become necessary to reassess and review the processes and procedures adopted by the National Hajj Commission in arriving at the fare with a view to reducing it thereby making the fare affordable to the intending pilgrims.”
Following the adoption of the motion, the House urged the Federal Government to intervene by subsidizing the Hajj fare to enable intending pilgrims to participate in the religious ritual.
It further mandated “The Committee on Muslim Pilgrimage to engage the National Hajj Commission in reviewing and reassessing processes and strategies aimed at making pilgrimage fare more affordable for intending pilgrims.”
The committee is to report to the House within four weeks.
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