NIGER State governor Alhaji Abubakar Sani Bello has ended government funding of religious pilgrimages to Mecca and Jerusalem with immediate effect as part of a cost-cutting drive.
Traditionally, Nigeria has been one of the largest exporters of pilgrims to the rest of the world, with millions of Christians and Muslims visiting Israel and Saudi Arabia respectively. In the past, such pilgrimages have been subsidised by state and federal governments, the total cost of which accounts for about 3% of Nigeria's annual budget.
Since President Muhammadu Buhari assumed office last May, however, the federal government has decided to rein in spending and several state governments have followed suit. Already, many states have scrapped the funding of pilgrimages, saying it is a religious matter that should be self-financed.
Governor Bello said:”In view of the present national economic challenges, a situation well known to all, sponsorship of pilgrims to holy land to perform pilgrimage has been put on hold with immediate effect. Government is committed to supporting our people in fulfilling their religious obligations but the dwindling economic fortunes of the state, in the face of other equally people oriented demands, sponsorship of pilgrims to Hajj and Jerusalem is hereby suspended.”
He, however, said government would continue to be responsible for the sponsorship of officials to the holy lands to facilitate and ensure hitch-free pilgrimages to both lands. Governor Bello assured the people of his administration’s resolve to meet its obligations to the governments of Israel and Saudi Arabia for hitch-free pilgrimages.
Comments
Post a Comment