Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Abdulqudus Ogundapo
Published on 2024-03-27 14:44:11
Chief Whip of the Senate, Ali Ndume, has urged state governments to subsidize the airfares of first-timers participating in the 2024 Hajj from their respective states. Representing Borno South, Mr. Ndume made this appeal through a statement released on Wednesday.
The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) recently announced an increase in the fee for the 2024 Hajj. The commission attributed this increment to the soaring foreign exchange rate. Approximately 49,000 pilgrims who had already paid the old fees of N4.9 million are now required to pay an additional N1.9 million each by March 28. For new registrations, the fee has been set at N8.5 million.
In response to this adjustment, Senator Ndume expressed concern over the fairness of denying first-timers the opportunity to partake in the spiritual journey, particularly those who had paid prior to the increment. He emphasized the significance of Hajj as one of the pillars of Islam and stressed the importance of allowing first-timers to fulfill this religious obligation without facing exorbitant additional costs.
Senator Ndume appealed to state governments to alleviate the financial burden on first-timers by covering the extra fees incurred due to the fee hike. He emphasized the need to support individuals who have saved diligently over the years to participate in the Hajj pilgrimage. The senator highlighted the importance of subsidizing the fees to ensure equal access for all pilgrims, especially first-timers deserving of the opportunity.
Expressing discontent with the rise in Hajj fares, Senator Ndume emphasized that intended pilgrims should not bear the consequences of such increments. He called for President Bola Tinubu to intervene and approve the payment of the additional fees to alleviate the financial strain on the intended pilgrims.
Moreover, Senator Ndume stressed that any financial adjustments should be borne by NAHCON rather than burdening the pilgrims who had already fulfilled their financial obligations based on the initial fee structure. He urged swift action to address the situation and prevent intended pilgrims from facing undue financial challenges.
In conclusion, Senator Ali Ndume highlighted the need for urgent intervention to address the issue of increased Hajj fees for the 2024 pilgrimage. He called on state governments and President Bola Tinubu to subsidize the airfare for first-timers and ensure that the financial burden is not unfairly placed on the intended pilgrims. By advocating for financial support and fair treatment of pilgrims, Senator Ndume underscored the importance of upholding the principles of equality and accessibility in religious practices.
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