There is a growing sense of confusion and concern following the alleged approval of N24.143 billion as a subsidy for the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) to address foreign exchange differentials for intending Muslim pilgrims.
The approval, reportedly conveyed in a document dated October 19, 2023, by the Office of Vice President Kasim Shettima, has sparked controversy due to the ongoing economic hardship and high food prices in the country.
The release of the funds, which were said to be sourced from a wheat grain levy pool account, has raised questions about the prioritization of pilgrimage expenditure amid the citizens’ economic challenges.
The situation has led to an uproar among some Nigerians, with calls for transparency and accountability regarding the use of such a significant amount of money.
Amidst these developments, the Deputy Director of Information and Publication at NAHCON, Mousa Ubandawaki, has claimed unawareness of the alleged approvals from the presidency. He has stated that the Chairman of the Commission, Jalal Ahmad Arabi, will address the matter in a forthcoming briefing.
