Gov Yusuf appeals for reduction of 2025 Hajj fare
*As 2023 Kano pilgrims receive N375m refund
By KEMI KASUMU
The Governor has commended the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) and Saudi Arabian Government for being accountable.
Kano State Governor Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf made this commendation while appealing to the Nigerian Federal Government to reduce the Hajj fare, considering the economic challenges faced by citizens.
The Governor made the appeal during an occasion organized by the Kano State Pilgrims Welfare Board to refund money sent by the Saudi Arabian Government, due to the power outage during the 2023 Hajj operations.
This was contained in a statement issued by the Governor’s spokesperson Sanusi Bature Dawakin Tofa on Monday.
The Governor also commended the effort of the Saudi Arabian government for the gesture and concern for humanity.
The governor promised to send an appreciation letter to Saudi government through their consulate in the in Kano state.
He also expressed appreciation to National Hajj Commission for prudence and timely payment.
Governor Yusuf expressed delight over the effort of Kano State Pilgrims Welfare Board for the conduct of successful Hajj operations which was recognised as the best in the country.
He urged them to maintain the good work in the future operations.
The governor disclosed that he visited Saudi Arabia some few weeks ago to perform lesser Hajj and to also commence preparation for the next Hajj by himself in order to find out areas that the state government needs to intervene further.
In his remarks, the state Deputy Governor, Comrade Aminu Abdulsalam Gwarzo who was the head of 2024 Kano Hajj Delegates appreciated the support Governor Yusuf provided to the pilgrims before, during and after the Hajj exercise.
Earlier, the Board Director General, Alhaji Laminu Rabiu Danbaffa said the total amount refunded to the state through the National Hajj Commission for disbursement to Pilgrims that performed 2023 Hajj was 375 million naira.
