Governor Abba Yusuf of Kano State has called on the Federal Government to consider reducing the 2025 Hajj fare to ease the financial burden on intending pilgrims, given the prevailing economic hardships in the country.
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The governor made this appeal during an event organised by the State Pilgrims Welfare Board in Kano to refund money remitted by Saudi Arabian authorities following a power outage during the 2023 Hajj exercise.
In a statement issued on Tuesday by his media aide, Sanusi Bature, Yusuf commended the Saudi Arabian Government for the refund gesture and promised to convey the state’s gratitude through a letter to the Saudi consulate in Kano.
He also lauded the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) for its transparency and timely refund process, while praising the State Pilgrims Welfare Board for successfully organising the 2024 Hajj. Yusuf encouraged the board to maintain its commendable performance.
The governor, who recently performed the Lesser Hajj in Saudi Arabia, revealed that preparations for the 2025 Hajj had already commenced, with efforts directed at addressing areas needing improvement.
The statement further quoted Kano State Deputy Governor, Aminu Abdulsalam, who also serves as the Head of the 2024 Hajj Delegation, as commending Governor Yusuf for his consistent support of the pilgrims’ board.
Additionally, Laminu Danbaffa, the Director-General of the State Pilgrims Welfare Board, disclosed that a total refund of N375 million had been disbursed to pilgrims affected by the 2023 Hajj incident.
