Given the collapse in global oil prices, foreign exchange has become extremely hard to come by in Nigeria and the government has introduced several restrictions on its distribution. This has affected the annual hajj pilgrimage as many intending pilgrims have been unable to afford the trip.
To ease the plight of its citizens, the Sokoto State government has decided to step in with assistance with Alhaji Ibrahim Umar, the director-general of the State Pilgrims Welfare Agency, disclosing that the government 1,000 Saudi Riyals, approximately N40,000, to subsidise the accommodation of each pilgrim. He said that, the agency had rented befitting houses for the pilgrims near the Holy Mosque known as the Ka’aba.
He added: “This is very important as the proximity of the houses to the grand mosque will reduce travel hassles and offer the pilgrims more opportunity to intensify their acts of worship. Governor Aminu Tambuwal has graciously approved all our requests for funds, to enable the Amirul Hajj committee and other subcommittees to function effectively.
“I am therefore appealing to the officials to live above board, while the pilgrims should be law abiding at home and abroad. They should also pray fervently for sustainable peace, unity and progress of Nigeria.”
About 5,000 people from Sokoto State are expected to perform the pilgrimage this year. Alhaji Umar stressed that the agency had made adequate arrangements to ensure the comfort, security and welfare of the pilgrims throughout the exercise.
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