Breaking: Over 18,900 Pilgrims Airlifted For 2024 Holy-Pilgrimage Despite Economic-Hardship, Says NAHCON

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has announced that despite the prevailing economic challenges in the country, a total of 18,906 pilgrims have been airlifted to Saudi Arabia for the 2024/1445 Holy Pilgrimage….CONTINUE READING

In a statement shared on its official handle, NAHCON revealed that the latest airlift operation saw Air Peace flight APK7920 departing from Lagos to Madinah, carrying 298 pilgrims from Edo State. The group comprised 162 males and 136 females.

This recent flight marks a significant milestone in the ongoing pilgrimage airlift operations, bringing the total number of pilgrims transported across 45 flights.

The disclosure comes amidst scrutiny over the cost of the pilgrimage, with NAHCON confirming that programs for the 2024 hajj ranged between N8.2 million and N8.4 million. Vice President Kasim Shettima further affirmed that the federal government allocated N90 billion in subsidies for the 2024 hajj.

However, the government has faced criticism for its expenditure on the pilgrimage, particularly in light of Nigeria’s economic challenges. In April, headline and food inflation surged to 33.69% and 40.53% respectively, significantly impacting the cost of living for many Nigerians who struggle to afford basic necessities.

The National Bureau of Statistics multidimensional poverty index released in November 2022 painted a grim picture, revealing that 41.01% of Nigerians are living in poverty, further underscoring the economic hardship faced by the populace.

Published By: Destiny.Jnr